IV Therapy in Fulton and Marriottsville, MD
Why Maryland Patients Choose IV Therapy
Hydration and nutrients, the way you feel them
Daily life takes a toll. Travel, training, late nights, hormonal shifts, restrictive eating, and seasonal viruses can leave you feeling depleted, foggy, or run-down. Many of our Fulton and Marriottsville patients tell us they drink water, take oral vitamins, and still feel like they are running on empty. Oral supplements rely on the digestive system, which limits how much your body can actually absorb. That is the gap IV Therapy is designed to fill, as a planned wellness ritual rather than a quick fix.
At Pura Vida, IV Therapy uses the Olympia Wellness blend menu, a portfolio of physician-formulated drips including Myers Cocktail, Immunity, Energy and B12, NAD+, Glutathione, Pure Hydration, Athletic Recovery, and Beauty and Hair. Because the nutrients bypass the gut and enter the bloodstream directly, absorption is more efficient than oral options. IV Therapy pairs naturally with our broader wellness menu, including Hormone Replacement Therapy and GLP-1 Weight Loss, for patients building a long-term plan with our medical team.
What Is IV Therapy?
IV therapy, also called intravenous nutrient therapy or a vitamin drip, delivers a sterile saline solution with selected vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or antioxidants through a small catheter in a vein, infused slowly over 45 to 60 minutes while you rest. Because it bypasses the digestive tract, the nutrients are not limited by the absorption ceiling of oral pills.
We are transparent about the evidence: the FDA does not approve IV vitamin drips to treat any specific illness, and the science varies by blend, so we frame IV therapy as wellness support rather than medical care. Patients with chronic conditions should keep working with their physician, and the NIH remains the best resource on specific vitamins and supplements.
Treatment Timeline:
Treatment Time:
45 to 60 minutes per session
First Signs:
Often within a few hours of infusion
Full Effect:
Several days to a few weeks per drip
Recovery:
None, return to normal activities same day
Benefits of IV Therapy
Hydration and nutrients, on your schedule
Bypasses Digestion
More efficient nutrient and fluid uptake
Customized
Choose from 8 Olympia Wellness drips
Relaxed Setting
Recline in a private treatment suite
Safe
Medically reviewed by Dr. Leslie Apgar, MD
Wellness Ritual
IV Therapy as a monthly or pre-event hydration
IV Therapy vs Other Wellness Options
Compare your options
| Option | Mechanism | Time | Results | Duration | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV Therapy | Customized vitamins, minerals and fluids infused into a vein | 45 to 60 min | Often felt within hours | Days to weeks per drip | None | Hydration boost, focused wellness goals |
| B12 Injection | Intramuscular methylcobalamin B12 shot | 5 min | Energy lift within 24 to 48 hours | 1 to 2 weeks | None | Quick B12 top-up without IV time |
| Oral Multivitamin | Daily pill or powder absorbed through the gut | 1 min daily | Subtle, cumulative over weeks | Daily | None | Baseline nutrition between sessions |
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Therapy?
IV therapy at Pura Vida suits healthy adults who want a refined hydration and nutrient ritual, not disease treatment.
Ideal Candidates for IV Therapy
- Generally healthy adults seeking hydration and wellness support
- Patients recovering from travel, jet lag, intense workouts, or social events
- Individuals with mild seasonal fatigue or low energy who have been medically cleared
- Patients seeking adjunct support alongside skincare, weight loss, or hormone wellness
Who Should Wait or Avoid IV Therapy
- Patients with kidney disease or reduced kidney function (fluid and electrolyte risk)
- Patients with congestive heart failure or other heart conditions sensitive to fluid load
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless cleared by your obstetric provider
- Known allergy or sensitivity to any drip ingredient (B vitamins, sulfites, preservatives, etc.)
Talk to Us First If…
- You have a kidney or heart condition that affects fluid and electrolytes
- You have a G6PD deficiency (relevant for high-dose vitamin C)
- You're pregnant or take medications that affect electrolytes
- You're pregnant or take medications that affect electrolytes
During your consultation, our medical team will confirm that IV Therapy is right for you, flag any contraindications, and help you choose a drip cadence that fits your lifestyle and wellness plan.
IV Therapy Treatment Overview
What happens in your suite
Health Review
Drip Selection
IV Placement
Relaxed Infusion
Aftercare and Plan
Side Effects and Safety
IV Therapy is generally well tolerated when delivered under physician oversight with appropriate screening, but it is not risk-free.
Common, Expected Side Effects
The most common effects are mild and localized, including a cool sensation as the fluid infuses, a vitamin or saline taste, mild bruising or tenderness at the IV site, and short-lived lightheadedness. Many patients feel calm and rested during the infusion and notice improved hydration and energy within hours.
Less Common Reactions to Watch For
Less common but possible effects can include vein irritation, transient nausea, headache, flushing during vitamin C or B-complex infusions, and changes in blood pressure.
Rare Risks and Important Safety Screening
Rare but serious risks include infection at the IV site, allergic reaction to a drip component, electrolyte imbalance, and fluid overload in patients with kidney or heart conditions. Patients with G6PD deficiency can develop hemolysis with high-dose vitamin C, which is why screening is required. For evidence-based information on dietary supplements and IV nutrient therapy, see the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Always disclose all medications, supplements, and health conditions before any drip.
IV Therapy Cost in Fulton, MD
Transparent, drip-by-drip pricing
IV therapy pricing at Pura Vida Med Spa is set per drip and reflects the formulation, ingredient cost, and infusion time required. Hydration-focused drips such as Pure Hydration and Myers Cocktail are priced at the entry level of the menu, while specialty drips such as NAD+ and Glutathione carry a higher investment due to ingredient cost and longer infusion time. Final pricing is confirmed during your health review before any IV is placed.
What Affects the Investment
- Drip formulation and specialty ingredient cost
- Infusion time required for the selected protocol
- Whether IV therapy is combined with other wellness services
- Series or package pricing versus single sessions
Financing Options
Pura Vida Med Spa accepts CareCredit and Cherry Financing, allowing you to spread treatment costs into manageable monthly payments with promotional financing.
To confirm your personalized IV therapy investment, call (301) 604-8432 or book a consultation online.
Why Choose Pura Vida Med Spa for IV Therapy in Fulton, MD
Led by founder Dr. Leslie Apgar, MD, Pura Vida reviews every IV Therapy session - selecting the right Olympia Wellness blend, screening for contraindications and tailoring the drip to your needs.
Physician-Led Oversight
Board-certified medical review and screening on every IV Therapy session.
Olympia Wellness Menu
Eight physician-formulated drips, transparently labeled and discussed before infusion.
Honest Wellness Framing
We position IV Therapy as wellness support, not as a substitute for medical care.
Two Maryland Locations
Refined Fulton (Maple Lawn) and Marriottsville suites with relaxed treatment rooms.
Fast, Comfortable Sessions
Most drips finish in 30 to 60 minutes in a calm, private setting - easy to fit your day.
Pairs with Wellness Programs
It integrates naturally with our hormone replacement, medical weight loss, and wellness programs.
Related Services in Fulton and Marriottsville
Pair your IV Therapy with these complementary wellness and aesthetic treatments.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bioidentical HRT and Hormone Pellets for Women and Men
- Women in perimenopause or menopause with hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes, or vaginal dryness
- Women with low libido, mood changes, or brain fog confirmed by hormone testing
- Men with symptoms of low testosterone (fatigue, low libido, mood, body composition changes) plus lab confirmation
GLP-1 Weight Loss
Semaglutide Program with Weekly or Monthly Provider Support
- Adults with BMI of 30 or higher
- Adults with BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia
- Patients committed to weekly injections and provider check-ins
HCG Diet
Structured HCG Program for Targeted Fat Loss
- Adults seeking a structured, short-term, supervised weight loss framework
- Patients who have stalled on conventional diet and exercise approaches
- Those willing to follow a strict VLCD with weekly clinical check-ins
IV Therapy FAQ
Answers from our medical team
01 How long does an IV Therapy session take?
Most Olympia Wellness drips at Pura Vida Med Spa take 45 to 60 minutes, including IV placement, infusion, and removal. NAD+ drips can run longer depending on the dose selected.
02 Is IV Therapy a medical treatment for illness?
No. We frame IV Therapy as wellness support, not as a medical treatment for any systemic illness. The FDA does not approve IV vitamin drips for the treatment of disease. Patients with medical conditions should continue working with their primary physician.
03 Does IV Therapy hurt?
Most patients describe only a brief pinch during IV placement and a mild cool sensation as the fluid infuses. The rest of the session is designed to feel relaxed and comfortable in a private treatment suite.
04 How often should I get an IV drip?
Many patients enjoy IV Therapy once or twice a month as a wellness ritual, while others schedule a drip before travel, events, or intense training. Our medical team will recommend a cadence based on your goals and health review.
05 Who should avoid IV Therapy?
Patients with kidney disease, heart failure, active untreated infection, pregnancy or breastfeeding without obstetric clearance, G6PD deficiency considering high-dose vitamin C, or known allergies to drip ingredients should not receive IV Therapy without a careful medical evaluation.
06 Will IV Therapy give me an instant energy boost?
Many patients report feeling more hydrated and clear-headed within a few hours, particularly with Energy and B12 or Myers Cocktail drips. The intensity and duration of the effect vary based on hydration status, sleep, and individual health.
07 Can I combine IV Therapy with other Pura Vida services?
Yes. IV Therapy pairs naturally with treatments such as Hormone Replacement Therapy, GLP-1 Weight Loss, and the HCG Diet. Our medical team will coordinate timing so your IV does not interfere with other appointments on the same day.
Schedule Your IV Therapy Consultation
References
- Padayatty SJ, et al. Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: implications for oral and intravenous use (Annals of Internal Medicine 2004). PubMed (PMID: 15068981).
- Gaby AR. Intravenous nutrient therapy: the Myers' cocktail (Alternative Medicine Review 2002). PubMed (PMID: 12410623).
- Ali A, et al. Intravenous micronutrient therapy (Myers' Cocktail) for fibromyalgia: a placebo-controlled pilot study (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2009). PubMed (PMID: 19250003).
- Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and immune function (Nutrients 2017). PubMed (PMID: 29099763).
- Kennedy DO. B vitamins and the brain: mechanisms, dose and efficacy, a review (Nutrients 2016). PubMed (PMID: 26828517).
- Rao N, et al. In vivo effect of an oral nicotinamide riboside formulation on blood NAD+ levels in healthy adults (Scientific Reports 2019). PubMed (PMID: 31073234).
- Minich DM, Brown BI. A review of dietary (phyto)nutrients for glutathione support (Nutrients 2019). PubMed (PMID: 31510630).