IV Therapy

The changes you notice after an IV and how long they last vary from person to person; there is no set duration. Water-soluble vitamins such as B vitamins and vitamin C are mostly excreted in urine once the body has used what it needs. If fatigue lasts a long time, we first check for causes such as anemia or thyroid disease rather than relying on IV therapy.

Most IVs take 30–60 min per session. IVs that must be given slowly, such as the NAD IV, can take 1–4 hours. The examination and preparation take extra time, so please allow plenty of time for your visit.

You feel one sting when the needle goes in. During the infusion, your arm may feel cold or sore along the vein. If the pain grows or the injection site swells, please tell us right away.

The three names are nicknames for ingredients. The White Jade shot often refers to glutathione, the Garlic shot to fursultiamine (a vitamin B1 derivative), and the Cinderella shot to thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid). All three are prescription-only medicines, and none is approved for brightening or relieving fatigue. We explain the ingredients and amounts DM Dermatology uses at your examination.

The Pearl · White Jade IV uses glutathione, and the Brightening · Antioxidant IV uses glutathione and vitamin C. Glutathione is an antioxidant the body also makes, and vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. In Korea, injections of these ingredients are not approved for skin brightening. High-dose vitamin C is not used if you have G6PD deficiency or kidney stones, so please tell us at the consultation. The doctor decides the amount after the consultation.

There is no set standard for how many IVs to get or how often. For repeat IVs, an interval of 1–2 weeks is usual, and we check that the same ingredients do not overlap. If you eat well and are healthy, you may not need IV therapy. If you have heart or kidney disease, frequent IVs can put a strain on your body.

Bruising and soreness at the injection site are common. Phlebitis (a swollen, painful vein), IV fluid leaking outside the vein, dizziness, and nausea may occur, and rarely a severe allergic reaction may occur. Depending on the ingredient, a garlic-like smell (fursultiamine) or facial flushing (NAD) may also occur.

IVs for nutrition or wellness are usually not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because their safety has not been established. If you need IV fluids for morning sickness or dehydration, see an obstetrician first. If you may be pregnant, please be sure to tell us at your examination.

It is better not to skip a meal before you come. Getting an IV on an empty stomach may make you dizzy or nauseated. If you take diabetes medication, eat as usual to avoid low blood sugar.

The ingredients commonly used in Diet IVs are not medicines approved for weight loss. IV therapy does not replace diet control and exercise. If you are managing your weight, tell us about the medications and supplements you take, and we will choose ingredients so they do not overlap.

DM Dermatology is at 4F, 158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a 2-minute walk from Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5. On your first visit, we check your health and medications in an examination before deciding which IV to give.