Many people search for an IV “drip menu” and expect to pick a formula the way they would pick a smoothie. That is not how IV therapy works at Inside Health in Oakville. In Canada, IV solutions prepared by a naturopathic doctor are individual, and the College of Naturopaths of Ontario requires a proper assessment before any IV is given. This guide explains how that decision is made, what the assessment involves, and what you can expect if IV therapy turns out to be appropriate for you.
Why We Don’t Offer an IV Menu
A pre-set menu assumes that everyone with the same goal needs the same thing. In practice, two people asking for the same IV can have very different kidney function, blood pressure, medications and lab results. What is reasonable for one person may be unnecessary, or even unsafe, for the other.
That is why every IV plan at our clinic starts with a naturopathic doctor, not a list. If an IV is appropriate, its contents are chosen for you based on your assessment, and many people find that diet changes, oral supplements or other care meet their needs without an IV at all.
Step 1: Your IV Assessment
Your first visit is a consultation with a naturopathic doctor trained in IV therapy. Expect about an hour. We will cover:
- Your main health concerns and what you hope to get from care
- Your medical history, current diagnoses and past procedures
- All medications, supplements and natural health products you take
- Diet, digestion, sleep, activity and stress
- Any previous experience with IVs, needles or fainting
Bring recent blood work if you have it. If you are new to the clinic, our guide to your first naturopath visit explains the general format.
Step 2: Lab Work and Safety Screening
Before most IVs, we need objective information. Depending on what is being considered, this can include kidney and liver function, a complete blood count, electrolytes, iron studies and a G6PD enzyme test. Blood pressure, heart rate and weight are also checked.
Some findings mean IV therapy is not appropriate, or needs to wait. Common reasons include reduced kidney function, certain heart conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure, pregnancy, some medications and a history of reactions. We will explain any concerns in plain language.
Step 3: A Plan You Understand
If an IV makes sense, your naturopathic doctor will explain what is in it and why, how often it would be given, how long the plan would last, what it costs and how progress will be reviewed. If an IV does not make sense, we will tell you that too and suggest other options.
With your permission, we are happy to share your plan with your family doctor or specialist.
What an IV Appointment Is Like
If you go ahead, an IV visit at our Oakville clinic usually looks like this:
- Check-in: we confirm how you are feeling, any changes to your health or medications, and your vital signs.
- Preparation: your IV is prepared individually for that visit.
- Starting the IV: a trained practitioner places a small catheter, usually in the arm.
- Monitoring: you sit in a comfortable chair while the IV runs, usually 30 to 90 minutes. Staff check on you throughout.
- Finishing: the catheter is removed, the site is covered, and we confirm you feel well before you leave.
Our IV preparation guide covers what to eat, drink and wear on the day.
Possible Side Effects
Like any procedure that uses a needle, IV therapy carries some risk. The most common issues are mild bruising or tenderness at the site, feeling light-headed, or a cool sensation in the arm. Less often, a vein can become irritated or a reaction can occur. Your practitioner will review the risks for your situation before you consent, and you can stop at any time.
Is IV Therapy Better Than Oral Supplements?
Not automatically. For most people, food and oral supplements are the first choice. An IV may be considered when there is a specific reason that oral options are not suitable, and that reason should be clear to you before you start. We cover this in more detail in our article on IV therapy vs. oral supplements.
Cost and Insurance
The assessment is billed as a naturopathic visit, which many extended health plans cover. Lab testing and IV visits are billed separately, and coverage varies by plan. OHIP does not cover naturopathic services. You will receive a written estimate before you commit to anything. You can find general information on our IV therapy page, and Health Canada explains how health products are regulated in Canada on its drugs and health products page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own IV formula?
No. Your naturopathic doctor decides what, if anything, is appropriate after your assessment and screening. You are always welcome to ask questions and to say no.
Can I get an IV on the same day as my assessment?
Usually not. Most people need lab results reviewed first, so IV visits are booked after the assessment.
Who gives the IV?
IVs at Inside Health are given by practitioners trained in IV therapy, following the College of Naturopaths of Ontario’s standards, with monitoring throughout the visit.
What if IV therapy isn’t right for me?
Then we will tell you why and suggest other options, such as nutrition changes, oral supplements or other care at the clinic.
Book an IV Assessment in Oakville
To find out whether IV therapy is appropriate for you, call Inside Health at 905-842-6654 or book online through Jane with any of our naturopathic doctors.