Frequently Asked Questions
30 answers from our physician-led team
General IV Therapy
What is IV therapy and how does it work?
We place a small IV catheter in your arm and drip a customized blend of vitamins, minerals, and fluids directly into your bloodstream. Unlike pills and supplements that lose 50-80% of their potency in your gut, IV delivery hits near-100% absorption.
Is IV therapy safe?
Yes, it's safe. Dr. Patel oversees every treatment and we use pharmaceutical-grade ingredients from FDA-registered pharmacies. We screen your health history before your first session.
How long does a session take?
Most drips run 30-60 minutes. NAD+ sessions can take up to 90 minutes.
How quickly will I feel the effects?
Hydration and hangover drips usually kick in within 30-60 minutes. More therapeutic protocols like NAD+ or immune boosters build over 24-72 hours.
How often should I get IV therapy?
- General wellness: every 2-4 weeks
- Athletes or high-stress periods: weekly
- Acute needs (hangover, illness): one session is usually enough
Are there any side effects?
Rarely. You might get a small bruise at the insertion site or feel a cool sensation in your arm during the drip. Both are normal and temporary.
About Us
Who administers the IVs?
Licensed medical professionals only. That includes Dr. Patel (MD), registered nurses, APRNs, and certified phlebotomists.
What makes Sarasota IV Doctors different?
We're led by a physician-internist with 15+ years of hospital experience, not a franchise or nurse-only operation. Dr. Patel designs every protocol and oversees all clinical decisions.
What areas do you serve?
- Sarasota
- Bradenton
- Lakewood Ranch
- Siesta Key
- Longboat Key
We come to your home, hotel, office, vacation rental, or boat.
Do I need a prescription?
No prescription or referral needed. We do a quick health screening before your first session to review medications and allergies.
What is Dr. Patel's background?
Dr. Nicky Patel is a Doctor of Medicine specializing in internal medicine. He trained at Medstar Union Memorial Hospital and has 15+ years of hospital-based clinical experience in fluid management and nutrient optimization.
Services & Treatments
What types of IV drips do you offer?
- Hydration therapy
- Immune boost (high-dose Vitamin C + zinc)
- Energy & performance (B-complex)
- Myers' Cocktail
- NAD+ therapy
- Hangover recovery
- Beauty & skin health
- Athletic recovery
- Custom formulations
What is a Myers' Cocktail?
A classic IV formula from the 1960s: magnesium, calcium, B-complex, B12, and Vitamin C in saline. It's the go-to for general wellness, energy, and immune support.
What is NAD+ therapy and who is it for?
NAD+ is a coenzyme in every cell that drives energy metabolism and DNA repair. Levels drop as you age. IV delivery restores them directly, which many patients report improves mental clarity and energy.
Can you customize a drip for me?
Yes. Dr. Patel will discuss your symptoms and goals, then adjust vitamin concentrations, add amino acids or glutathione, and modify fluid volumes to match.
Do you offer hangover IVs?
Our most popular service. Rapid rehydration plus anti-nausea meds, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants. Most people feel significantly better within 30-60 minutes.
What is your charter/boat IV service?
We come to you dockside or on board at any Sarasota-area marina. Same full IV service, just on the water.
Mobile Service & Booking
How does mobile IV therapy work?
A licensed medical professional shows up at your location with everything needed: pharmaceutical-grade IV solutions, sterile gear, and monitoring tools. The whole visit takes about an hour.
Where can I receive mobile IV therapy?
- Private homes
- Hotels and resorts
- Vacation rentals
- Offices
- Boats and yachts
- Gyms and event venues
Anywhere in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key.
How do I book?
Call, text, or book through our website. We offer same-day and next-day appointments and handle group bookings for events and corporate retreats.
How should I prepare?
- Eat a light meal or snack beforehand
- Stay reasonably hydrated
- Wear a short-sleeved shirt
- Have a comfortable spot to sit or recline for an hour
Can you come to Siesta Key or Longboat Key?
Yes, both are in our primary service area. We go to hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals on both keys regularly.
Pricing & Payment
How much does IV therapy cost?
Pricing depends on the formulation. Visit our services page or contact us for current rates.
Do you accept insurance?
IV therapy is considered elective wellness, so insurance typically doesn't cover it. We accept all major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and HSA/FSA cards.
Do you offer membership or package discounts?
Yes. Monthly membership plans include treatments and booster discounts. We also do group rates for parties and corporate events. Contact us for pricing.
What forms of payment do you accept?
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- HSA and FSA cards
Payment is collected at the time of service.
Medical & Safety
Is IV therapy FDA approved?
The FDA regulates the ingredients and the compounding pharmacies that prepare our solutions. All our ingredients are pharmaceutical-grade from FDA-registered 503B pharmacies. IV administration itself is a standard medical procedure used in hospitals for decades.
Who should NOT get IV therapy?
- Patients with congestive heart failure
- Severe kidney disease
- Certain electrolyte imbalances
- Known allergies to specific IV ingredients
We screen for all of these before treatment.
What if I have an allergic reaction?
Rare, but we're prepared. Our team carries emergency medications and equipment, and we screen for allergies before every session.
Can I get IV therapy while pregnant?
Possibly, but you'll need clearance from your OB-GYN first. Dr. Patel will coordinate with your prenatal care provider before proceeding.
Still have questions?
Call us or book online. We're happy to walk you through anything.