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Not an emergency service. If you or someone else is seriously unwell — for example chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or collapse — call 999. For urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Recovery & Aftercare Guide

IV vitamin therapy

Infusion given through a cannula, with a short aftercare period for the cannula site.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

IV vitamin therapy delivers fluids and vitamins through a cannula placed in a vein, usually in the arm or hand.

The appointment takes around 30 to 60 minutes including cannula placement and the infusion itself.

Before your procedure

  • Attend the consultation. Treatment follows assessment and is not suitable for everyone.
  • Tell the team about all medicines, any kidney or heart condition, and any history of reactions to infusions.
  • Tell the team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Drink water and eat normally beforehand. Being well hydrated makes cannula placement easier.
  • Wear a top with sleeves that roll up easily.
  • Allow enough time. This is not a quick appointment.

Aftercare

Cannula site

Keep the dressing on for a few hours. Mild tenderness or a small bruise is common.

Pressure

If the site bleeds after the dressing is removed, press firmly for 5 minutes.

Activity

No restrictions, though avoid heavy lifting with that arm for the rest of the day.

Bathing

Keep the site dry for a few hours, then no restriction.

Fluids

Continue to drink normally afterwards.

Feeling unwell

Tell the team before you leave if you feel light-headed, nauseated or unwell during or after the infusion.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

  • Difficulty breathing, throat or facial swelling, or a widespread rash during or shortly after the infusion
  • Chest pain, palpitations or feeling faint during or shortly after the infusion

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

  • Increasing pain, redness, swelling or a hard cord-like vein at the cannula site
  • Fluid leaking or marked swelling around the site during the infusion
  • Fever in the 48 hours afterwards

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Does the cannula hurt?

It feels like a sharp scratch when placed. Once in, it should not be painful. Tell the team if it is.

Can I drive afterwards?

Usually yes, provided you feel well. Tell the team if you feel light-headed.

How often can I have this?

This is a clinical decision made at assessment, not an open repeat.

What if my arm aches afterwards?

Mild tenderness and bruising at the site is common and settles within a few days. Increasing pain or redness should be reported.

More information

Clinical reviewer
Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date
21 July 2026
Review by
21 July 2027
Version
1.0
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