What It Does
This is a corticosteroid, which is a different class of drug from the anabolic steroids people associate with athletics. The two are not related in how they work or what they are for.
Corticosteroids turn down your body's inflammatory response. That is useful when inflammation itself is the problem, which is why this is part of our migraine protocol. It is long acting, so the effect builds over hours rather than minutes and can last well past your appointment.
Why an IV Add-On Beats the Pill
An oral steroid has to go through your digestive system first. When nausea is part of what you are dealing with, as it often is with a bad migraine, keeping a pill down is the first hurdle.
By IV the full dose arrives without asking your stomach to cooperate. That is the main reason it is on our menu.
Pricing
There is one dose tier. This add-on attaches to a drip rather than being sold as a standalone visit.
| Add-On | Dose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Steroid | Standard IV | $35 |
What People Use It For
Drips That Include It as an Option
The Migraine IV ($349) lists steroid support among its optional prescription components, alongside anti pain and anti nausea support. The Ultimate IV ($699) and Black Card VIP ($999) do as well. On any other drip it can be added for $35 with provider approval.
How Long One Dose Lasts
It is long acting, so the effect builds over hours rather than arriving all at once, and it can carry well past your appointment. Your RN can give you a more specific range for your situation.
The effects people associate with steroids, like weight change and bone loss, come from long term use. A single dose is a different situation. What to expect short term is below.
Important Blood Sugar and Sleep Note
A single dose is generally well tolerated, but there are two things worth planning around. Blood sugar can rise temporarily, so tell your RN if you have diabetes and our provider will account for it. Some clients also have trouble sleeping the night of a dose, which is worth factoring into when you book.
Other possible short term effects include a flushed face, restlessness, and a metallic taste as it goes in.
Who Should Not Get It
Our medical provider screens every client at intake. Tell your RN and put it on your form if any of these apply:
Pairs Well With
In migraine plans it sits alongside anti pain and anti nausea support with magnesium and a full liter of fluids. For allergic symptoms it may be paired with antihistamine support. Our provider decides the combination from your intake, not from a menu.
Common Questions
Is this the same as anabolic steroids?+
No. This is a corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation. Anabolic steroids are a different class of drug used to build muscle. They are unrelated in how they work.
Do I need a prescription to get this?+
You do not need to bring one. Our medical provider reviews your intake and prescribes it if it is clinically appropriate.
Can I request it and be sure I will get it?+
No. Prescription add-ons require clinical indication. We will pass your request along, but nobody here can promise it before that review.
Will one dose cause the side effects steroids are known for?+
Those come from long term use. A single dose is a different situation. The short term effects to expect are listed above.
Will it keep me up?+
It can. Some clients have trouble sleeping the night of a dose, so factor that into when you book.
Can I book this on its own?+
No. It is an add-on to a drip, not a standalone visit.
I have diabetes, can I still get it?+
Possibly, but tell us at intake. Blood sugar can rise temporarily and our provider will want to account for that before approving it.
Is it covered by insurance or HSA/FSA?+
Insurance does not typically cover wellness IV therapy. Some clients use HSA or FSA accounts, and we can provide an itemized receipt.
Licensed RNs and Medical Oversight
Every Zen IV Spa session is delivered by a registered nurse with hospital grade training. A medical provider reviews your intake form before any treatment. Our protocols follow standards used in clinical IV therapy, with safety screening for every add-on, every dose, and every client.
We use methylcobalamin B12, D3 cholecalciferol, and pharmaceutical grade ingredients sourced from licensed compounding partners. We do not substitute lower grade forms to cut costs.