Home Procedures IV alpha-lipoic acid
IV therapiesIV alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant, given intravenously. A consultation is held beforehand and blood tests are requested where needed.
What it is used for
- Numbness, burning and tingling in diabetic neuropathy
- Support in nerve pain
- Support for insulin sensitivity
- Antioxidant support
- Support for liver health
The headings show what the treatment is used for; outcomes vary from person to person. The decision is made after a consultation and, where needed, blood tests.
What iv alpha-lipoic acid is
Alpha-lipoic acid takes part in cellular energy production and has a strong antioxidant effect. It is used in particular as support for the complaints seen in diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). The dose and interval between sessions are determined at the consultation.
Who it is suitable for
Suitability is determined at the consultation, which takes account of general health, current medicines and any chronic conditions.
The conditions listed at the top of the page are assessed at the consultation. A condition appearing in the list does not mean the procedure will be carried out for it, or that a result will follow; the decision is made after the consultation.
How it is carried out
The procedure is carried out at the practice by the physician, with single-use materials. It does not begin before informed consent is taken.
- A consultation is held and blood tests requested where needed
- An intravenous line is placed under sterile conditions
- The prepared drip is given over the determined time
- The patient is observed during and after the infusion
What to expect afterwards
There may be mild tenderness or a small bruise where the line was placed. Everyday life can be resumed after the infusion.
Outcomes vary from person to person and the number of sessions is determined after the consultation.
Before the procedure
Regular medicines, known allergies, chronic conditions and pregnancy must be reported to the physician beforehand.
Who it is not suitable for
The procedure is not carried out in the situations below. The list may grow at the consultation; the decision rests with the physician.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known allergy to alpha-lipoic acid
- Tendency to low blood sugar (the dose is adjusted by the physician for people on diabetes medication)
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
Frequently asked
Questions about iv alpha-lipoic acid
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions is determined after the consultation. Giving a number in advance would not be right; a plan is made after the assessment and reviewed as it goes.
What should I do before the procedure?
Bring a list of the medicines you take regularly. Tell the practice when booking if you have a known allergy, a chronic condition, or may be pregnant.
Does it replace my medical treatment?
No. This procedure does not replace the medical treatment a physician has prescribed. Do not stop your medicines without your physician's advice.
Who carries out the procedure?
The procedure is carried out at the practice by the physician. Consultation, decision and procedure are handled by the same physician.
The consultation comes first
Book an appointment for a suitability assessment; the decision to proceed is made after the consultation.