Mobile IV infusions... for hangovers

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

Have you ever heard about in-home IV infusion to get rid of hangovers? This is an idea I started thinking about when I read about it being offered in New York, and because in personal experience it works well, but someone has beat me to it locally.

The basic idea is extremely simple. You call, talk to a prescriber (currently an MD, but they're looking for NPs) who asks you about your health history and symptoms, then a nurse shows up and starts an IV. They don't take insurance obviously; no one will cover this. It seems a little sketchy, like back alley medicine... but it's also pretty low risk if your screening is thorough.

Now, the NYC operation I first heard about is pretty slick but seems more questionable. For instance they have different packages you get to pick from, the highest of which apparently includes IV magnesium (it says "liquid magnesium"). Not sure how I feel about that.

Anyway, what do you think? If you were going to do this, how would you do it so that it was ethical? I have no intention of starting a competing business... but it seems like a brilliant way to make money.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

I think this is a genius idea- not for just hangovers but at marathons for runners. If I found a doctor willing to do this with me I would certainly do it!

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I have done a complete 360 on this in the past year, since it seems to be the year of the hangover. :bag:

I would love a bag of NS after hanging out with my crazy friends.

I would also love to start the IVs as an RN for HHHH: Hangover Hydration Home Health. Bettern wounds.

In my town? The Mobile IV would put McDonald's right out of business.

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Specializes in Pediatrics/Developmental Pediatrics/Research/psych.
ED Nurse, BSN RN said:
I think this is a genius idea- not for just hangovers but at marathons for runners. If I found a doctor willing to do this with me I would certainly do it!

I've actually worked as a nurse at the NYC marathon. We do give IVs at the finish line, but only as needed. They have a very large medical team (all volunteer) that includes RN, MD, NP, DO, EMT, DPT, DPM, medics, ATC, students, and residents. They actually call it the largest annual planned need for emergency treatment.

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A&Ox6 said:
I've actually worked as a nurse at the NYC marathon. We do give IVs at the finish line, but only as needed. They have a very large medical team (all volunteer) that includes RN, MD, NP, DO, EMT, DPT, DPM, medics, ATC, students, and residents. They actually call it the largest annual planned need for emergency treatment.

Love this.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Maybe we should just consider opening an after hours club that offers non-alcoholic drinks and nibbles and has MD oversight and RNs on hand to initiate and administer IV fluids if needed - maybe the option to test for electrolytes and replace appropriately?

Large comfy (washable) seating areas (and emesis bags at the ready) etc.

Maybe get a few fave aides who can act intimidating to act as bouncers.

Just think of the possibilities.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.
A&Ox6 said:
I've actually worked as a nurse at the NYC marathon. We do give IVs at the finish line, but only as needed. They have a very large medical team (all volunteer) that includes RN, MD, NP, DO, EMT, DPT, DPM, medics, ATC, students, and residents. They actually call it the largest annual planned need for emergency treatment.

There are companies, nurses/docs, that are using a mobile unit at a marathon for IV hydration for anyone that wants it. They have menus for certain replacement "cocktails" and such. It's in no way medically needed, but people enjoy it to help them "recover."

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Have you guys seen those "oxygen bars" before? You can choose flavored/scented O2 if desired. Very...weird.

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I like the idea of the next day IVF. Don't mess with me while I'm still out.

Do not.

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Specializes in Early Intervention, Nsg. Education.

The first time I heard of these services, it was while we were experiencing nationwide shortages of IV MVI's, trace elements, some meds, and TPN components. Funny, how the folks lining up to pay cash for their hangover bags seemed to have no trouble getting MVI's. That really ticked me off.

If no one is going without IVF, MVI's, lytes, meds, etc., then I think it's to each his own. Grab a banana bag if it makes you feel better. Have two. I'd have no problem at all administering it. Heck, rehydrating someone to ease a hangover could potentially make everyone's day better! [emoji41]

Slightly related question about IV fluids...

I know (online) of several people who receive a liter of IVNS once every 1-2 weeks for chronic dehydration and/or POTS. They swear by it. I'm glad that they've found a treatment that helps them feel better...but does a single liter of IVNS actually keep one properly hydrated for up to two weeks? To me, this seems to be in the same class as the oxygen bar deal.

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"They don't take insurance obviously; no one will cover this. It seems a little sketchy"

Not a Little sketchy .. a lot sketchy. You are administering IV medication in a person's home. Order or not. You are administering IV electrolyte replacement. What then would happen if said person develops a lethal arrhythmia? Magnesium is nothing to fool around with.

Run that scenario by your malpractice carrier.

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I think that sounds heavenly after a nasty bout of gastroenteritis. I was so sick last March I passed out at work (3 days after the fact) and when they took me to the ER and gave me a bag of NS (along with 40 mEQ of K+ because my K+ was only 3) I felt like a million bucks

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