Exploring What are the Disadvantages of IV Therapy?

October 13, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2017 review, peripheral intravenous catheters, a common form of IV therapy, are the most frequently used medical devices in hospitals, yet over one-third fail before treatment is complete, often due to complications. While a powerful medical tool, it's crucial to understand what are the disadvantages of IV therapy before starting treatment.

Quick Summary

Intravenous (IV) therapy carries several drawbacks, including local complications like pain, infection, and vein damage, and systemic risks such as allergic reactions or fluid overload. Practical disadvantages include high costs, restriction of patient mobility, and psychological factors like anxiety or needle phobia.

Key Points

Local Complications: IV therapy poses risks at the insertion site, including pain, swelling (infiltration), infection, and inflammation of the vein (phlebitis).
Systemic Risks: Serious systemic complications can occur, such as bloodstream infections, air embolisms, allergic reactions, and fluid or electrolyte imbalances.
High Cost: IV therapy, particularly elective treatments, can be expensive and is often not covered by insurance, with costs potentially running into the thousands of dollars.
Restricted Mobility: Patients receiving IV therapy are typically attached to a pump and pole, which restricts their movement and can hinder independence.
Psychological Impact: The use of needles can cause significant anxiety and fear, known as needle phobia, in some patients, impacting their comfort and overall experience.
Long-Term Concerns: Frequent or long-term IV use can lead to vein damage and scarring, making future access more challenging for patients needing repeated treatment.
Inappropriate Use: Elective IV therapy, especially for healthy individuals, may offer limited benefit while still carrying risks, making it potentially unsafe and unnecessary.

Local and Systemic Risks Associated with IV Therapy

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a cornerstone of modern medicine, delivering fluids, electrolytes, nutrients, and medications directly into a patient’s bloodstream for rapid and effective treatment. However, this direct route bypasses the body’s natural protective barriers, creating vulnerabilities to several complications. These risks can be categorized into two main types: local complications occurring at the insertion site and more widespread systemic complications.

Local Complications at the Insertion Site

One of the most immediate and common drawbacks of IV therapy involves the insertion site itself, typically a vein in the arm or hand. Even with skilled practitioners, these issues can arise:

Pain, Bruising, and Swelling: The initial needle insertion can be painful, and post-procedure bruising (hematoma) and tenderness around the site are common. Swelling can result from clotted blood under the skin.
Infiltration: This occurs when the IV catheter accidentally slips out of the vein, and the fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue. Signs include swelling, coolness, and blanching of the skin.
Extravasation: A more serious form of infiltration, extravasation happens when a vesicant—a drug that can cause severe tissue damage—leaks into the surrounding tissue. This can cause blistering, tissue necrosis, and scarring.
Phlebitis: This is the inflammation of the vein, often caused by irritation from the catheter or the infused medication. It can cause pain, redness, and a palpable cord along the vein.
Infection: Any break in the skin creates an entry point for bacteria. While stringent aseptic techniques are used, infection at the site can still occur, leading to cellulitis (a deep skin infection).

Systemic Risks and Allergic Reactions

Beyond the insertion site, the direct delivery into the bloodstream can lead to systemic issues. The rapid and high concentration of a substance can provoke a faster, and sometimes more severe, reaction than oral administration.

Infection: The most severe systemic infection is a bloodstream infection, where bacteria from the IV site travel through the bloodstream. This can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Air Embolism: Though very rare, an air embolism occurs when air enters the bloodstream through the IV line. It can cause serious blockages in blood vessels, leading to respiratory and cardiac complications.
Allergic Reactions: Patients can have an adverse or allergic reaction to the medication itself, or even to the adhesive tape used to secure the IV line. Symptoms can range from mild rashes to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Overhydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Especially risky for patients with heart or kidney disease, excessive fluid administration can lead to fluid overload, causing strain on the heart and lungs. Electrolyte imbalances can disrupt crucial body functions, including heart rhythm.

Practical and Psychological Disadvantages

Beyond the physiological risks, IV therapy presents practical and psychological hurdles for patients. These can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and overall treatment experience.

Practical Limitations

High Cost: IV therapy can be prohibitively expensive, especially for boutique vitamin drips or long-term infusion treatments for chronic conditions. These treatments often aren't covered by standard insurance. Costs can vary widely depending on the medication and setting, potentially running into thousands of dollars for a course of treatment.
Restricted Mobility: The presence of an IV pole and tubing restricts a patient's movement. While not an issue for immobile patients, it can be frustrating and limiting for others, impacting daily activities and independence.
Vein Damage: Repeated IV insertions, especially over long periods, can cause veins to become scarred or damaged, making future access difficult. This is a particular concern for patients requiring frequent or long-term IV therapy, such as those undergoing chemotherapy.
Specialized Skill Required: Proper administration and monitoring of IV therapy require trained medical professionals. This limits where and when a patient can receive treatment, as it cannot be done casually or without supervision.

Psychological and Emotional Toll

Anxiety and Phobia: For many, the sight of needles and the process of insertion can cause significant fear and anxiety. This can make the treatment a stressful and uncomfortable experience, even if it is medically necessary.
Psychological Dependence: In some cases, particularly with elective vitamin drips, individuals may develop a psychological reliance on IV therapy for energy boosts or wellness. This can be a substitute for developing sustainable lifestyle habits.
Discomfort and Disruption: The therapy process itself, involving a needle and being connected to a machine for a period, can be uncomfortable and disruptive to a patient's routine.

Comparison: Oral vs. Intravenous Medication


Feature	Oral Administration	Intravenous (IV) Therapy
Speed of Effect	Slower; must be absorbed through the digestive system.	Rapid and immediate; bypasses the digestive tract.
Risk of Complications	Generally lower risk of infection or insertion site issues.	Higher risk of local (infection, phlebitis) and systemic (air embolism) complications.
Patient Mobility	No restriction on mobility.	Restricted due to IV line and pump.
Cost	Often less expensive, especially for long-term treatment.	Typically higher cost due to materials, administration, and medical supervision.
Bioavailability	Varies widely; affected by digestion, liver metabolism, and drug interactions.	100% bioavailability; the entire dose enters the bloodstream.
Patient Comfort	Generally more comfortable, no needle insertion required.	Can cause pain, discomfort, and anxiety due to needles.

The Risks of Overuse and Elective IV Therapy

With the rise of elective or “wellness” IV therapy, concerns about overuse and unnecessary risk have grown. Medical professionals urge caution, noting that for most healthy individuals, proper hydration and a balanced diet are sufficient. The risks of complications like infection, phlebitis, and vein damage may not be worth the minimal perceived benefits in these cases. For those with underlying health conditions, such as kidney or heart disease, these elective treatments can be particularly dangerous and should be avoided unless medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor.

Conclusion

While IV therapy is an invaluable medical procedure for delivering life-saving treatments, it is not without its significant downsides. The disadvantages of IV therapy encompass a range of risks, from localized complications at the insertion site to serious systemic infections and adverse reactions. Practical issues such as high costs, restricted mobility, and long-term vein damage also factor into the overall patient experience. Furthermore, the psychological toll of anxiety and discomfort should not be understated. For elective use, these risks are even more pronounced, raising important questions about the overall value and safety of the procedure for healthy individuals. Therefore, both patients and practitioners must weigh these disadvantages carefully against the therapeutic benefits.

For more information on managing intravenous therapy complications, the Nurseslabs guide provides a comprehensive overview: Managing Peripheral IV Therapy Complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common local side effects at the IV insertion site include pain, bruising (hematoma), swelling (infiltration), and inflammation of the vein (phlebitis). If a vein-irritating medication is used, leakage can cause tissue damage (extravasation).

Yes, IV therapy can lead to infections. A catheter creates an opening in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter. This can cause a local infection at the site or, more seriously, a bloodstream infection, which can lead to sepsis.

Yes, IV therapy can be very expensive. The cost varies widely based on the medications and setting, with elective treatments sometimes not covered by insurance. For those with chronic conditions, the cumulative costs can be substantial.

For many, the process of receiving an IV can cause anxiety or distress, particularly for those with needle phobia. Some may also develop a psychological reliance on elective IV therapy for energy or wellness.

Yes, especially with frequent use. Long-term risks include scarring and damage to the veins, which can make future IV access difficult. For some specific medications, long-term use can impact bone density.

Patients with underlying health conditions, especially heart or kidney disease, should approach IV therapy with caution and only under a doctor's supervision. In these cases, fluid or electrolyte overload can cause serious complications.

An air embolism is a serious but rare complication where air enters the bloodstream through the IV line. This can cause dangerous blockages in blood vessels, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.