Why IV drips are growing in popularity in the Australian wellness space

Beckwalter sits in a dimly lit clinic in the north of the Gold Coast while a bag of fluid slowly flows through a tube into her vein.

The young mother is here for an intravenous (IV) drip treatment – an increasingly popular treatment on the Australian wellness scene.

He has been receiving infusions for about a decade after battling malabsorption issues for years.

Ms. Walter books in for infusions when she’s recovering from an illness, needs extra hydration or feels a little flat.

Sometimes he goes to the clinic. Other times, cell service comes to her door.

“Instead of getting a facelift or something, I feel like looking at my health from the inside out,” she said.

“I definitely feel the differences.”

IV drips are increasingly popular

IV drips have been used in mainstream medicine for decades to treat dehydration, malabsorption or clinically diagnosed nutritional deficiencies.

But in recent years, they’ve grown in popularity in the wellness space, with celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber endorsing the oil.

More clinics advertise mobile services, bringing drops to people’s homes and events—from corporate health retreats to hen parties.

IV infusions usually contain a cocktail of vitamins and minerals, often tailored to each client’s needs, and injected directly into the bloodstream.

This makes them a popular “quick fix” for hangovers or jet lag, with proponents also claiming they can promote clear thinking, immunity, beauty and even anti-aging growth.

But Luigi Fontana, professor of medicine at the University of Sydney, said there were no solid studies to back up the claims.

‘It’s more of a health service’

Treatment prices typically range from $100 to $600 — although anti-aging “coenzyme” treatments can cost more than $1,000.

Clients often prefer monthly or even weekly sessions.

Kate Winch, a registered nurse at Brisbane clinic Inigo Cosmetic, said IV drip bookings had increased by 20 per cent in the past year alone.

“I think it reflects a broader shift toward more preventative health or regenerative medicine,” she said.

Ms Winch said her clinic had previously assessed clients to ensure IV drips were safe and appropriate.

But she said infusions do not replace a healthy diet, regular exercise or traditional medical treatments.

“It’s more of a wellness service,” she said.

The AMA says IV drips are ‘rarely useful’

Australian Medical Association president Daniel McMullen said IV drip treatment was “rarely effective”.

Infusions can also have risks, including infection, allergic reactions and potentially toxic high doses, she said.

She said people should see their GP instead.

“I want people to spend their time, energy and money on something that really helps their health,” she said.

Strict advertising regulations

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) enforces strict regulations on IV drip advertising in Australia.

In 2023, the TGA fined Drip IV Australia $160,000 for describing the infusion as a “miracle” and making claims about cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) has also spoken out in recent years, warning the health industry to stop “inappropriately” marketing IV drips.

“The medical justification and scientific evidence for them does not match their marketing,” said an agency spokesman.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) also raised the alarm in late 2024, saying doctors are competing with health clinics for access to IV fluids amid a global shortage.

While the shortage has since been addressed, the RACGP said IV drips remained a form of “low value care”.

‘You have to ask questions’

Sitting in a Gold Coast clinic, Ms Walter said she was already feeling better after the IV drip.

“I’m not the biggest drinker of water, so the hydration is great, and the added vitamins,” she said.

However, he knew some would be skeptical.

“I think you have to ask questions, especially about health care or anything to do with wellness,” she said.

“Make sure where you go is reputable … and they actually do what they say they’re going to do.”