By Chloe Nefdt, Registered Professional Nurse (SANC). Updated 22 April 2026.
Short answer: NAD+ IV drips deliver the fastest, highest bioavailability and are ideal for initial loading. The NAD+ pen (subcutaneous injection) is a cost-effective monthly protocol you can self-administer at home after nurse training. NAD+ nasal spray is the gentlest option for daily maintenance, focus and mild fatigue. Most Cape Town clients start with 1 to 2 IV sessions, then switch to the pen or spray for ongoing use.
NAD+ Delivery Methods Compared
| Attribute | IV Drip | Subcutaneous Pen | Nasal Spray |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 100% (direct to bloodstream) | ~70 to 90% | ~30 to 50% |
| Session duration | 2 to 4 hours | 2 to 5 minutes self-administered | Seconds |
| Frequency | Initial loading: weekly. Maintenance: monthly | 8 doses over one month (twice weekly) | Daily use |
| Price (Cape Town) | On request | R2,900 per month | R1,000 |
| Needle required | Yes (IV cannula) | Yes (subcutaneous micro-needle) | No |
| Nurse visit required | Every session | Only for first demonstration | No |
| Typical use case | Addiction recovery, deep fatigue, aggressive anti-ageing | Monthly cellular maintenance, cognition, sleep | Daily focus, jet lag, mild fatigue |
| Onset of effects | During or same day | 3 to 7 days | 15 to 30 minutes for focus, days for deeper effects |
| Common side effects | Flushing, chest pressure during infusion (resolves by slowing drip) | Mild injection-site redness | Occasional nasal tingling |
When to Choose Each Format
Choose NAD+ IV Drip if:
- You are in post-addiction recovery or alcohol detox
- You want the fastest, most noticeable effect
- You are willing to commit to a 2 to 4 hour window
- You are running a structured loading protocol before maintenance
Choose NAD+ Pen if:
- You want a structured monthly protocol without chair time
- You are comfortable with a quick subcutaneous injection at home
- You want better absorption than a spray with the convenience of home use
- You are treating cellular-level concerns (mitochondrial support, cognition, sleep)
Choose NAD+ Nasal Spray if:
- You want a needle-free option
- You need daily micro-dosing for focus or jet lag
- You are maintaining gains from a completed pen or IV course
- You are NAD+ curious and want the lowest-barrier entry point
What the Research Actually Says
A 2022 pharmacokinetic study published in Frontiers in Aging showed a single 750mg NAD+ IV infusion significantly raised plasma NAD+ metabolites within 2 hours, with effects still measurable at 6 hours (Grant et al., 2022). Subcutaneous and intranasal routes bypass first-pass metabolism but deliver lower peak concentrations, making them better suited to sustained maintenance than rapid repletion.
"In practice we often do an IV loading phase, then step patients down to the pen or nasal spray for long-term adherence. The best delivery method is the one your lifestyle will actually tolerate," says Chloe Nefdt, Registered Professional Nurse and founder of IVgo.
Combining Delivery Methods
Most IVgo clients do not pick one format and stick to it. A typical Cape Town protocol looks like this:
- Week 1 to 2: Two NAD+ IV loading drips to rapidly raise cellular levels
- Week 3 onward: NAD+ Pen monthly course for structured 8-dose maintenance
- Ongoing: NAD+ nasal spray as a daily adjunct for focus, jet lag and training days
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NAD+ therapy safe?
NAD+ is a coenzyme naturally present in every cell. Supplemental NAD+ has a strong safety profile when administered by a registered nurse with doctor oversight. IV infusions are titrated to minimise flushing and chest pressure. See our detailed NAD+ side effects guide.
Which NAD+ format is cheapest per month?
The NAD+ nasal spray at R1,000 is the most affordable monthly option. The pen at R2,900 delivers a full month of injections. The IV drip is the most expensive per session but can be the most cost-effective for accelerated protocols.
Can I do all three in the same month?
Yes. Many longevity-focused clients combine formats. Start with a consultation so we can match the protocol to your goals and bloodwork.
Do I need a prescription for NAD+ pen or nasal spray?
Yes. All IVgo NAD+ products are dispensed by a registered South African compounding pharmacy after doctor consultation. This applies to the pen, nasal spray and IV drip.
Is NAD+ legal in South Africa?
Yes. NAD+ is legally available in South Africa through doctor prescription and compounding pharmacies. IVgo operates under registered nurse and doctor oversight.
Book a NAD+ Protocol with IVgo
Not sure which delivery method suits you? Book a free consultation. Compare NAD+ Pen, NAD+ Nasal Spray, or request an IV consultation. All IVgo NAD+ protocols include doctor oversight and registered nurse administration across Cape Town.