“There’s no patent on these products, so there’s no incentive for companies to invest time and money researching,” he said.
At IV Health, which started eight years ago, co-director Naomi Goldbaum said demand had increased.
“People are taking a more preventative approach to health and wellness and supporting their immune system rather than treating themselves when they’re already sick,” she said.
Some clients come in monthly, and others weekly when unwell, which she says is a testament to the infusions’ impact.
Goldbaum said the clinic was careful when advertising its products, and is unable to name some nutrients in the drips due to TGA regulations.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has previously raised concerns about advertising of unproven IV infusion treatments. A spokesperson said while complaints remained low, their concerns were ongoing.
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“Clinics providing unproven infusion services must be honest with their clients about the lack of scientific evidence supporting their use, as the marketing of this industry has outpaced the medical justification for many treatments,” the spokesperson said.
“Clinical interventions should only be provided when necessary, and patients need to be aware of infection and other risks which come with all medical treatments.”
In 2023, the regulator fine Drip IV Australia nearly $160,000 for labelling its products as “miraculous”. The company also made advertising claims regarding cancer, alleviating COVID-19 symptoms and Alzheimer’s.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Nicole Higgins said misleading marketing was of concern during a global shortage.
“At a time when we’ve got a shortage of IV equipment, we need to preserve it for those who need it for medical reasons, versus those that are taking it because they’ve been pitched to by marketing,” she said.
The shortage is due to unexpected global demand and manufacturing issues, with supply constrained until the end of the year.
Higgins said IV infusions in non-clinical settings risked contamination, which could cause infection or clots. Others may experience an allergic reaction to the drip.
In higher doses, some vitamins can also be toxic.
“An IV drip is an invasive medical procedure, and it’s not there as a marketing or business opportunity,” Higgins said.
A spokesperson for federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the government was working with public and private health providers to address the IV shortage.
“The TGA has approved a number of alternative supplies from overseas to supplement the local production, which is managing to get us through this period of higher demand,” he said.
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