How Much Does IV Therapy Cost? Prices, Add-Ons, and Insurance
Typical price ranges for hydration, vitamin, and NAD+ drips, what drives cost, whether insurance or HSA covers it, and how to avoid overpaying.
Read guideAntioxidants
Glutathione
Also known as: GSH, L-glutathione, glutathione push
An antioxidant your body makes on its own. Popular for 'detox' and skin brightening — claims that outrun the evidence.
Medically reviewed by Akash Bhagat, DO, FACEP
What the evidence supports
| Use | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Skin lightening / brightening | Limited |
| Detox / liver cleansing | Unproven |
| Anti-aging, cancer prevention, memory | Unproven |
Common side effects
- Mild nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Rash (uncommon)
Who should be cautious or avoid this
- Asthma — inhaled glutathione has triggered bronchospasm; mention asthma before any form
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (not studied)
- Product quality from compounding sources
What it is
Glutathione is a small molecule made of three amino acids that your cells produce naturally. It’s one of the body’s main internal antioxidants.
Why it’s used in IV therapy
Usually given as a quick “push” at the end of a drip, marketed for detox, skin glow, and anti-aging.
What the evidence says
Your liver makes glutathione continuously and doesn’t need an infusion to “detox.” Small studies on IV glutathione for skin lightening show inconsistent results, and safety data at the doses and frequencies some clinics use is thin. Claims that it reverses aging, prevents cancer, or preserves memory are not supported by human evidence and are the kind of statements regulators scrutinize.
Side effects and cautions
Generally well tolerated in short-term studies. Because many glutathione products are compounded, sourcing matters — ask whether it comes from an FDA-registered outsourcing facility or licensed pharmacy.