By Chloé Nefdt, Professional Nurse & Founder of IVgo
IV therapy has gone from hospital wards to wellness lounges to your living room. Five years ago, the only people getting drips outside a hospital were either severely dehydrated or extremely famous. Now your colleague's doing it on a Tuesday because she felt "a bit flat." Your personal trainer swears by it. Your mother saw something on Carte Blanche and has questions.
But what actually is IV therapy - and should you care?
If you're here because you Googled "what is IV therapy" and got 47 million results ranging from clinical textbooks to influencer testimonials, let me save you the scroll. I'm a SANC-registered Professional Nurse who administers IV drips for a living. Here's the honest, jargon-light, no-hype version.
What Is IV Therapy?
Intravenous (IV) therapy is the delivery of fluids, vitamins, minerals, and other therapeutic compounds directly into the bloodstream through a vein, bypassing the digestive system entirely.
That's it. That's the definition. Everything else - the fancy lounge chairs, the Instagram posts, the celebrity endorsements - is window dressing around a medical technique that's been used in hospitals for over a century.
The "intravenous" part literally means "into a vein." A small cannula (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted into a vein - usually in your forearm or the back of your hand - and whatever you need flows directly into your blood. No stomach acid. No intestinal absorption. No waiting for your digestive system to decide how much of that vitamin C tablet it actually feels like processing today.
This matters because your gut is, to put it diplomatically, an unreliable middleman. More on that later.
A Brief History of IV Therapy
IV therapy didn't start in a wellness lounge in Los Angeles. It started in a cholera ward in the 1830s.
In 1832, a Scottish physician named Thomas Latta performed one of the first documented intravenous infusions - injecting saline solution into cholera patients who were dying of dehydration. It worked. Patients who were hours from death were sitting up and talking. The medical establishment at the time was, characteristically, sceptical. But the results were hard to argue with.
By the early 20th century, IV fluid therapy had become standard practice in hospitals. During World War II, intravenous saline and blood transfusions saved thousands of lives on the battlefield. By the 1950s and 60s, IV delivery had expanded beyond fluids to include antibiotics, anaesthetics, nutrition, and chemotherapy.
Then came Dr John Myers.
In the 1960s, Dr Myers - an internist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore - began experimenting with intravenous cocktails of vitamins and minerals for patients with chronic fatigue, migraines, fibromyalgia, and recurrent infections. His formulation - a mix of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C - became known as the Myers' Cocktail after his death in 1984, when his colleague Dr Alan Gaby continued and published the work.
Gaby's 2002 paper in Alternative Medicine Review documented the clinical use of the Myers' Cocktail across a range of conditions, reporting improvements in acute asthma attacks, migraines, fatigue, and upper respiratory infections. It wasn't a randomised controlled trial - it was a clinical case series - but it put the idea of "wellness IV therapy" on the medical map.
Fast forward to the 2010s, and IV therapy went mainstream. IV bars popped up in every major city. Celebrities posted drip selfies. Music festivals offered hangover tents. And by 2024, the global IV therapy market was valued at over $14 billion, with projections to reach $27 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research, 2024).
The science behind it is older than your grandparents. The wellness application is newer. The Instagram account is very, very new.
How Does an IV Drip Work?
If you've never had one, here's what actually happens - step by step, no mystery.
1. Assessment. A qualified practitioner (at IVgo, that's me - a registered Professional Nurse) reviews your health history, current symptoms, medications, and goals. This determines which formulation you get.
2. Preparation. The IV bag is prepared with a sterile solution - typically normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) as the base - plus whatever vitamins, minerals, or compounds are appropriate for your treatment. Everything is pharmaceutical-grade.
3. Cannulation. A small cannula is inserted into a vein, usually in your forearm or hand. This takes about 10 seconds. You'll feel a brief pinch - less painful than a blood test, and significantly less dramatic than the internet makes it look.
4. Infusion. The IV bag is connected and the solution flows into your bloodstream, either by gravity or via a controlled pump. The rate is adjusted depending on the formulation and your comfort.
5. You sit there. Seriously, that's it. Read a book. Answer emails. Watch something on your phone. Nap. Most drips take 30 to 45 minutes. Some specialised treatments (like high-dose vitamin C) may take up to 60 minutes.
6. Removal and aftercare. The cannula is removed, a plaster goes on, and you're done. No recovery time. No restrictions. Most people feel the effects within hours - some notice increased energy and hydration almost immediately.
What's in the bag depends entirely on what you need. A basic hydration drip is mostly saline with electrolytes. An immune-support drip might include high-dose vitamin C, zinc, and B vitamins. An energy formulation adds B12, magnesium, and amino acids. The principle is always the same: nutrients, straight to the bloodstream.
What Are the Benefits of IV Therapy?
Here's where I need to be honest with you - because the internet won't be.
Some benefits of IV therapy are well-supported by evidence. Others are widely reported by patients but still lack robust clinical trials. I'll be clear about which is which.
Well-evidenced benefits
Rapid rehydration. This is the most straightforward benefit and the one with the longest evidence base. IV saline corrects dehydration faster and more completely than oral fluids. This is established medicine - it's why every hospital on earth uses IV fluids. If you're dehydrated from illness, travel, exercise, alcohol, or Cape Town's summer heat, an IV drip will rehydrate you faster than any amount of water and electrolyte sachets.
Correction of documented deficiencies. If blood work shows you're deficient in B12, iron, magnesium, or vitamin D, IV delivery corrects those levels faster and more reliably than oral supplements - particularly for people with absorption issues (Crohn's disease, coeliac, IBS, post-bariatric surgery patients). This is standard medical practice (Battat et al., 2014, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases).
Immune support via high-dose vitamin C. Intravenous vitamin C at pharmacological doses (15–75g) has been studied extensively in immune modulation and as adjunctive cancer therapy. Carr and Maggini (2017, Nutrients) published a comprehensive review showing that vitamin C supports immune cell function and that IV administration achieves plasma concentrations 30–70 times higher than oral dosing. At the lower wellness doses used in IV drips (1–5g), the immune support effect is less dramatic but still meaningful - particularly during winter or after illness.
Widely reported but less robustly studied
Increased energy. Patients consistently report improved energy after IV therapy containing B vitamins and magnesium. The mechanism makes sense - these nutrients are essential cofactors in cellular energy production. But large-scale controlled trials specifically on IV vitamin infusions for general fatigue in healthy populations are limited. Gaby's 2002 work on the Myers' Cocktail documented energy improvements, but more rigorous research is needed.
Hangover relief. Anyone who's had a drip after a rough night will tell you it works. The rehydration component is evidence-based. The added vitamins likely help. But there are no published randomised trials on "IV therapy for hangovers" - partly because no ethics committee is particularly enthusiastic about funding that study. Practically, it works. Scientifically, the formal evidence is thin.
Skin health and "glow." Drips containing glutathione, vitamin C, and biotin are marketed for skin radiance. Glutathione does have evidence for skin lightening and antioxidant effects (Weschawalit et al., 2017, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology), but most studies used oral glutathione, not IV. Patient reports of improved skin after IV therapy are common. Published IV-specific data is catching up.
Athletic recovery. Athletes and weekend warriors report faster recovery with IV therapy after intense training or competition. The hydration and electrolyte replenishment component is evidence-based. The additional nutrient benefits are plausible but under-studied in formal athletic performance research.
What IV therapy will NOT do
It won't cure chronic disease. It won't replace a good diet. It won't compensate for sleeping four hours a night and calling it "hustle." It's not a substitute for proper medical treatment, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something you shouldn't buy.
IV therapy is a tool - a very effective one for hydration, nutrient delivery, and recovery. It works best as part of a broader approach to health, not as a magic bullet.
What Can IV Therapy Treat?
Here's a quick overview of the most common reasons people book an IV drip:
| Use Case | What It Helps With | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Hangover recovery | Rehydration, nausea, headache, nutrient depletion | Anyone who overindulged (no judgement) |
| Jet lag | Dehydration from flying, fatigue, circadian disruption | Frequent travellers, long-haul arrivals |
| Immune support | High-dose vitamin C, zinc, B vitamins for immune defence | Pre-winter, post-illness, run-down periods |
| Athletic recovery | Rehydration, electrolytes, amino acids, anti-inflammatory support | Athletes, gym-goers, weekend warriors |
| General fatigue | B vitamins, magnesium, energy-supporting cofactors | Burnout, chronic tiredness, demanding schedules |
| Skin and beauty | Glutathione, vitamin C, biotin for skin radiance | Pre-event, ongoing skin maintenance |
| Pre/post event | Energy, hydration, and nutrient top-up before or after a big day | Weddings, marathons, conferences, festivals |
| Detox and recovery | Liver support, glutathione, hydration | Post-holiday resets, general wellness |
| Fertility support | Nutrient optimisation, folate, zinc, antioxidants | Couples trying to conceive |
This isn't an exhaustive list - it's a starting point. Your specific formulation should be based on your needs, your health history, and (ideally) recent blood work.
IV Therapy vs Oral Supplements: The Bioavailability Question
This is the argument that comes up every time someone asks, "Can't I just take a vitamin tablet?"
Yes. You can. And you should - oral supplements have their place. But here's the thing your gut doesn't want you to know: it's a terrible absorber.
Bioavailability is the percentage of a nutrient that actually makes it into your bloodstream and becomes available for your body to use. When you swallow a supplement, it has to survive your stomach acid, get absorbed through your intestinal wall, pass through your liver (first-pass metabolism), and then enter your bloodstream. At every stage, you lose some.
Depending on the nutrient, oral bioavailability ranges from roughly 10% to 50%. Vitamin C, for example, maxes out at around 200mg of absorbed dose regardless of how much you swallow - your gut literally can't absorb more at once (Padayatty et al., 2004, Annals of Internal Medicine). Take 1,000mg orally, and you might absorb 200mg. The rest takes a scenic tour through your digestive tract and exits without contributing much.
IV therapy delivers 100% bioavailability by definition. Every milligram goes directly into your blood. No losses. No gatekeeping by your gut.
But - and this is important - that doesn't mean IV is always superior to oral.
For daily maintenance of nutrients you're not deficient in, oral supplements are perfectly fine. You don't need an IV drip every day to get your B vitamins. If your gut is healthy and you eat well, your body absorbs enough from food and supplements to maintain normal levels.
IV therapy makes the biggest difference when:
- You need rapid correction (dehydration, acute deficiency)
- You need pharmacological doses (high-dose vitamin C for immune support)
- Your gut absorption is compromised (IBS, Crohn's, coeliac, post-surgery)
- You want a concentrated, targeted dose for a specific purpose (recovery, performance, immune boost)
Think of it this way: oral supplements are like putting money into a savings account - slow, steady, some fees along the way. IV therapy is a direct deposit. Both get money into the account. One is faster and loses less in transit.
Is IV Therapy Safe?
Yes - when administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
IV therapy is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures in the world. Hospitals administer millions of IV infusions daily. The technique is well-established and the risks, when proper protocols are followed, are minimal.
The most common side effects are mild: slight bruising at the cannulation site, a cool sensation as the fluid enters the vein, and occasionally mild lightheadedness. Serious complications - infection, air embolism, vein inflammation - are extremely rare when performed by a trained practitioner using sterile technique.
The key word is qualified. The safety of IV therapy is directly linked to who's administering it. At IVgo, every treatment is delivered by a SANC-registered Professional Nurse. Not a therapist with a weekend course. Not an aesthetician who watched a training video. A nurse.
I'll be writing a dedicated post on IV therapy safety, risks, and what to look out for - but the short version is: find a registered healthcare professional, ensure pharmaceutical-grade products, and you're in safe hands.
What to Expect at Your First IV Therapy Session
If you've never had an IV drip outside a hospital, here's how to prepare and what to expect.
Before your session
- Eat something. Don't arrive on an empty stomach. A light meal or snack an hour or two before is ideal. Low blood sugar + IV infusion = unnecessary lightheadedness.
- Hydrate. Ironic, I know - but drinking water beforehand makes your veins easier to find. Dehydrated veins are flat and uncooperative. Your nurse will thank you.
- Wear something comfortable with sleeves you can roll up easily. We need access to your forearm or hand.
- Be honest about your medical history. Medications, allergies, chronic conditions, pregnancy - tell your practitioner everything. This isn't the time to be coy.
During your session
- The cannulation takes about 10 seconds. It feels like a brief pinch - less painful than a blood test.
- Once the drip is running, you won't feel much. Some people notice a cool sensation in the arm, a slight taste of vitamins (yes, really - B vitamins can cause a metallic taste even through an IV), or a warm flush if glutathione is in the mix.
- You can read, work, scroll, nap, or have a conversation. This is not an intense medical experience. It's 30 to 45 minutes of sitting comfortably while vitamins enter your bloodstream.
- With IVgo, you're in your own space - your couch, your office, your hotel room. So you're already comfortable.
After your session
- A small plaster goes over the cannulation site. Keep it on for an hour or so.
- You can resume normal activity immediately. No downtime, no restrictions.
- Many people notice increased energy and improved hydration within a few hours. Some feel better almost immediately.
- Drink water for the rest of the day. The drip kickstarted your hydration - keep it going.
That's it. No drama. No recovery. Just nutrients, delivered properly.
IV Bar vs Mobile IV Therapy in Cape Town
I've written an entire post on this comparison, so I'll keep this brief.
An IV bar is a fixed-location clinic where you drive to them, sit in a communal space, and receive your drip on their schedule. A mobile IV service sends a nurse to you - your home, your office, your hotel, wherever you are.
The clinical product is the same. The experience is completely different.
Mobile wins on convenience (no commute, no parking, no waiting), privacy (your space, not a shared lounge), and flexibility (7 days a week, 07:00–20:00, all of Cape Town). IV bars win on spontaneity - if you're walking past one and fancy it, walk in.
For a detailed breakdown with pricing and availability, read the full comparison: IV Bar vs Mobile IV Therapy in Cape Town: A Nurse's Honest Comparison.
IVgo's Drip Menu
Here's what I offer. Every treatment is nurse-administered, uses pharmaceutical-grade formulations, and is available across greater Cape Town - 7 days a week.
IV Drips
| Drip | What It's For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Mothership | The everything drip - maximum vitamin and mineral payload for total wellness | R1,690 |
| Sports Endurance | Athletic recovery, rehydration, amino acids, performance support | R1,490 |
| Immune Booster | High-dose vitamin C, zinc, B vitamins - your immune system's best friend | R1,390 |
| Energy Booster | B vitamins, magnesium, amino acids for sustained energy and focus | R1,290 |
| Hangover / Jet Lag | Rapid rehydration, anti-nausea, electrolyte and nutrient replenishment | R1,490 |
| Skin Radiance | Glutathione, vitamin C, biotin - the glow-from-within formulation | R1,390 |
| Detox | Liver support, glutathione, hydration - your internal reset button | R1,290 |
| Babymaker | Fertility-supporting nutrients - folate, zinc, antioxidants, key vitamins | R1,490 |
Vitamin Injections
Quick, targeted shots that take minutes - perfect for maintenance between full drips:
- Vitamin B12 - R350
- Voltaren - R300
- Neurobion - R350
NAD+ Therapy
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is the molecule at the centre of the longevity conversation. It's a coenzyme found in every cell, essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular ageing. IVgo delivers NAD+ via pre-loaded injection pens at R2,900 per pen - covering a full month of treatment. No lengthy IV infusions. Self-administered at home after I train you on technique.
For the full science, read: NAD+ Therapy in Cape Town: A Complete Guide.
Peptide Therapy
For clients serious about recovery and healing, IVgo offers medically supervised peptide therapy - BPC-157 pens (R3,000) and the Wolverine Stack (BPC-157 + TB-500, R4,500). These require a doctor consultation and blood work before treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an IV drip hurt?
The cannulation - the part where the needle goes in - feels like a brief pinch. It takes about 10 seconds. Once the cannula is in, you shouldn't feel any pain. Most people describe it as significantly less uncomfortable than a blood test. If you're nervous about needles, tell your nurse - we have strategies for that, and it's more common than you'd think.
How long does an IV drip take?
Most drips take 30 to 45 minutes. Some specialised treatments may take up to 60 minutes. With IVgo, there's no travel or waiting time - the total time commitment is just the treatment itself.
How often should I get IV therapy?
It depends on your goals. For general wellness maintenance, once a month is common. For acute needs - illness recovery, event preparation, athletic seasons - you might benefit from weekly or fortnightly sessions. For chronic conditions or specific treatment protocols, your practitioner can recommend a tailored schedule. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and anyone who gives you one is guessing.
Can anyone get IV therapy?
Most healthy adults can safely receive IV therapy. However, certain conditions - severe kidney disease, congestive heart failure, some allergies - may require caution or make IV therapy unsuitable. This is why a proper health assessment before treatment matters. At IVgo, I review your medical history before every session. If a drip isn't right for you, I'll tell you - and suggest what is.
Does medical aid cover IV therapy?
Discovery Health members can claim IVgo treatments from their Medical Savings Account (MSA) and typically receive a 70% reimbursement. IVgo provides compliant invoices with the correct practice and billing codes. Other medical aids may vary - check with your provider, but Discovery is the most straightforward.
The Bottom Line
IV therapy is a well-established medical technique that's been keeping people alive in hospitals since the 1800s. The wellness application - using the same delivery method for vitamins, minerals, and targeted nutrients - is newer, but the principle is sound: if you need something in your bloodstream, putting it directly into your bloodstream is the most efficient way to get it there.
It's not magic. It won't fix a bad diet, chronic sleep deprivation, or the fact that you've been "meaning to start exercising" since 2019. But for hydration, nutrient correction, immune support, recovery, and targeted wellness - IV therapy is one of the most effective tools available. And when it's delivered by a qualified nurse in the comfort of your own space, there's really no reason not to try it.
Ready to book your first drip?
Call or WhatsApp 074 604 5555 | Visit ivgo.co.za | Follow @ivgo_cape_town on Instagram
Chloé Nefdt is a SANC-registered Professional Nurse and the founder of IVgo, Cape Town's mobile IV therapy, NAD+ and peptide service. She operates 7 days a week across greater Cape Town and has strong opinions about hydration, gut absorption, and people who diagnose themselves on TikTok.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. IV therapy should always be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Individual results may vary. Consult your doctor before starting any new treatment, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.