Real Truths About Injection and Infusion Therapies for Better Health in ABQ

Albuquerque, NM -- Injection and infusion therapies benefit medical conditions and overall health. See how we can help with your health needs.

Injection and intravenous (IV) infusion therapies have many benefits for your health and well-being. These are optimal ways of giving medications and fluids faster than other routes. Injections and IV infusion therapies for specific health and medical conditions are numerous and readily available. This blog serves as a reference for you, and it comes in three parts.

If you have questions, talk to us at the injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ. 

Part 1: Injection Therapy

What is an injection?

An injection is also known as a “shot.” A medical practitioner takes only a few seconds to do a shot. A healthcare provider infuses medicine in four ways with a needle or syringe.  You receive a shot directly into your vein or under your skin.  Another way you receive an injection is into the muscle or layer of your fat. There’s also the depot injection. A drug injected into a specific mass in your body is called a depot injection. The surrounding tissue absorbs the drug over time. 

A healthcare provider can insert a syringe into a catheter to send a solution into the vein. It’s called an IV push. It delivers a bolus or one-time dose. The therapeutic effect is faster as it goes directly into your bloodstream.

3 Major uses of injection:

1. Pain management related to various medical conditions

It’s effective, safe, and can be used long-term for chronic pain. Unlike drugs taken by mouth, injectable pain meds give immediate relief because it’s injected directly into a specific part of your body. Various medical conditions involve the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. 

There are three common pain management injections. These are epidural injection (steroid), nerve blocks, and joint or trigger point injections.

• Epidural injections (steroid): A steroid is an anti-inflammatory medication injected into the epidural space at the area of your spine. This procedure may need local anesthesia. Healthcare providers use it to treat pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, back, and leg. 

• Nerve blocks: A healthcare provider injects a low dose of local anesthesia near your nerves. This nerve block stops the affected area from sending the signal of pain to your brain. Arthritis pain, caused by inflammation,  is just one way to use a nerve block. A nerve block treats some conditions causing chronic pain, such as your upper and lower back or neck. A healthcare provider uses Injections to pinpoint the origin of your pain.

• Joint or trigger point injections: An injection is given directly into your joints to relieve pain and inflammation, while trigger point injections help alleviate pain or tightness in your muscles. This trigger point injection usually helps relax your shoulder muscles and relieves headaches caused by tightness.

2. Vaccinations or immunizations

5 Myths busted by the latest 2020 review on vaccine safety (Geoghegan et al., 2020):

• Myth 1: Healthcare providers give many vaccines too soon.

Fact 1: The number of vaccines has increased, but the immunologic component has decreased over time. The smallpox vaccine contained 200 immunologic proteins. Fourteen vaccines, recommended by the US, combine for a total of 160 only.  Smallpox, already eradicated from our list of healthcare problems, no longer impacts us and isn’t on the list of vaccines any longer. 

• Myth 2: The immune system can be overwhelmed by too many vaccines.

Fact 2: Results from various studies show the number of vaccines does not affect the immune system. 

• Myth 3: Mumps, measles, and rubella or MMR vaccine cause autism spectrum disorders.

Fact 3: A previous study claimed that the MMR vaccine causes autism. But this study was later retracted due to misinterpretation of information. A cohort study reviewed records of more than half a million children from 1991-1998. However, this study found no link between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism in children. 

• Myth 4: Human Papilloma Virus or HPV vaccine may increase the risk of autoimmune disease. 

Fact 4: Studies prove no connection between the HPV vaccine and autoimmune diseases. These include type-1 diabetes mellitus, Guillain Barré Syndrome, and multiple sclerosis.

• Myth 5: Influenza vaccine given in early pregnancy may cause pregnancy and fetal problems. 

Fact 5: Studies have not found a relationship between influenza vaccine and pregnancy problems, such as abortion, birth defects, and low birth weight.

3. Medicines and vitamins supplementation

Medications come in several forms. Some of these include tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, patches, and creams. Many medications can be given through injection, too. Vitamins and minerals come from the food you eat, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. These foods may not contain the right amounts of nutrients needed by your body. So you have to eat a lot to get the recommended daily intake. Some vitamins and minerals may not be well absorbed if taken by mouth. Injections, though, deliver pure vitamins, minerals, and other supplements efficiently. 

The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ offers injectable medicines for common ailments, such as allergies, nausea or vomiting, and pain:

• Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl): Benadryl is an antihistamine medication that comes in different forms. You ingest it as a tablet, liquid-filled capsule, or liquid solution. Or you can put it on your skin as a cream, gel, spray, or stick. 

There’s also an injectable primarily used when a patient can’t use the oral route. Such as when you have a deadly allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Other than relieving severe allergies,  Benadryl treats motion sickness and Parkinson’s Disease. (Please link to Benadryl)

• Ondansetron hydrochloride (Zofran): It’s an antiemetic, or it prevents you from vomiting or feeling nauseous. There are a lot of reasons for you to feel this way. But usually, medical practitioners prescribe Zofran after surgery or taking cancer medications. (Please link to Zofran)

• Ketorolac (Toradol): It’s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that treats moderate to severe pain.  Commonly used in medical procedures and pre-or post-surgery, Toradol also helps decrease swelling and fever. (Please link to Toradol)

The more common vitamin supplements are also available at the Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ. (Please link to Amino blend, B-Complex, and B12 with hydration) These are safe and natural. Discover the benefits of these vitamin components:

• Vitamin B-Complex or B vitamins: There are eight water-soluble B vitamins. B vitamins aid in building red blood cells and growing healthy cells. It also converts food into energy and maintains brain and nerve function.  

• Vitamin B1 (thiamin): It aids in your cell’s function, growth, and development. It plays a role in managing the complications of type 2 diabetes that affect the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): It helps produce energy and maintain the healthy growth of your cells. It also plays a role in the metabolism of drugs, fats, and steroids. A high dose of B2 is an effective and safe therapy for migraines.

• Vitamin B3 (niacin): It helps convert the food you eat into energy. It keeps your cells, digestion, and nerves healthy. High doses of niacin may reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. It can lower bad cholesterol in your blood, too.

• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): It aids in turning food into energy and breaking down fats. Pantethine is a derivative of pantothenic acid. It lowers bad cholesterol among people at risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): It’s involved in the fetus’s immune function and brain development during pregnancy. Some pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting. The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends B6 to prevent these pregnancy-related symptoms. 

Based on studies, Vitamin B6 lowers the level of amino acids in your blood. And this mechanism of action may reduce your risk of stroke. Combined with calcium, it reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as bloating and moodiness.

• Vitamin B7 (biotin): Biotin aids in converting food into energy. It also promotes hair, nail, and skin health.

• Vitamin B9 (folic acid): Your body needs folic acid to build genetic material or DNA. During pregnancy, folic acid plays a crucial role as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects. These are congenital disabilities that affect the baby’s brain and spine. It may also reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorder or ASD and its recurrence among ASD high-risk families.

As a complementary therapy, folic acid improves the effect of antidepressants for major depressive disorder. It lowers the risk of stroke by 10% and overall heart disease by 4%. It may improve cognition and benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease, too.

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): It helps your body make genetic material or DNA. It keeps your nerves and blood cells healthy, too. It’s vital for producing red blood cells. In tandem with folate, it seems to slow the rate of the brain’s deterioration. (Please link to Vitamin B12 injection)

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D regulates your mood. It’s good for your immune system as it fights off bacteria and viruses. It helps your body absorb calcium and maintain muscle health. There’s good evidence that Vitamin D3, in particular, plus calcium improves bone mineral density.  It may reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, and rectum. (Please link to Vitamin D injection)

• Lipotropic injections or Lipostat/MIC (Methionine, Inositol, and Choline): Lipostat contains three ingredients – methionine, inositol, and choline. These are naturally occurring and organic nutrients. Choline is an essential nutrient, while methionine is an amino acid. Inositol, sometimes referred to as vitamin B8, is a type of sugar.  If you want to shed those fats, lipotropic injection is for you. It’s a supplement that goes well with your weight loss, diet, and fitness program. (Please link this to the Fat Burner article)

Part 2: IV Infusion Therapy

What is an intravenous (IV) infusion?

Intravenous or IV infusion uses a tube or line to administer medicine directly into your bloodstream. A medical practitioner sets up and regulates an IV bag. The IV bag has the tubing connected to you through an IV catheter. A healthcare practitioner inserts a catheter into your bone marrow or vein. 

Unlike an injection, it takes longer to deliver an IV infusion. It can be continuous, intermittent, or time-controlled. IV infusion has three purposes; one, for medical conditions; two, for vitamin supplementation; and three, for blood transfusion.

2 Major uses of IV infusions

1. Relief of symptoms from various medical conditions

There are a lot of medications given through IV infusion. These are only five of the most common conditions:

•  Dehydration: A medical practitioner prescribes an IV infusion when you are severely dehydrated. An IV infusion replenishes fluids faster compared with drinking liquids. Different fluids may be used depending on your situation. It may contain water with small amounts of salt, sugar, vitamins, antioxidants, or medications. There are other reasons for hydration therapy utilization. It gives you relief from a hangover, jet lag, and migraine. Athletes use this as an effective post-recovery therapy. 

• Infections: Antibiotics administered through IV push and infusion are either intermittent or continuous. A medical practitioner gives you anIV for three reasons. First, the infection is severe, as in the case of sepsis. Second, IV antibiotics at higher concentrations reach the targeted tissue faster. Third, when an infection is resistant to oral antibiotics and IV infusion helps eliminate the issue at hand. 

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: People with fibromyalgia suffer from muscle and bone pain. This pain accompanies fatigue, disturbed sleep, and moodiness. IV nutrient infusion is a safe therapy that reduces symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It improves the quality of life with a noticeable increase in daily activities. 

• Substance abuse and withdrawal syndrome: The FDA report prescribes IV infusion with NAD+, an amino acid. It serves as a detox therapy for substance abuse and withdrawal syndrome. A case shows it took seven days of IV detox drips for withdrawal symptoms to stop. Also, medical personnel saw an improvement in the behavior of participants. In the addiction management program, participants received an IV infusion of amino acid - NAAT.

• Chemotherapy and support in cancer therapy: Medical practitioners give Chemotherapythrough an injection and IV infusion. Giving Vitamin C to people with cancer is best when given through IV infusions. It provides higher concentrations of Vitamin C as it bypasses the intestines. It’s safe as supportive care for people undergoing cancer therapy.

2. Vitamins or minerals supplementation

The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ offers a wide array of IV infusions. These are for energy, fatigue, athletic performance, immunity, and special conditions. Some come in a single vitamin dose, while others are a cocktail of vitamins packed as one dose. Browse through the components of this myriad of infusions:

• Energy, fatigue, and athletic performance/recovery

• Alpha-lipoic acid or ALA: It’s an organic compound naturally found in your body. It helps convert food into energy and acts as an antioxidant. In a study with mice, ALA supplements resulted in the recovery of damaged muscles caused by exhaustive exercise. 

• Vitamin B-Complex: How vital are B vitamins in athletic performance? Researchers published a study in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. It reveals college athletes who lacked B6, B9, and B12 performed poorly. They had decreased ability to repair and build muscles.

A study further suggests athletes with poor diets should consider taking B vitamins.  These assist your body in high-intensity exercise. If you engage in high physical activity or sports, you can avoid vitamin deficiencies by taking supplements every day based on recommended daily intake. 

• Vitamin C: It may reduce your muscle pain, injury, and fatigue due to exercise. Vitamin C with E supplements reduces muscle damage during the high-intensity performance of soccer players. 

• Glutathione: It’s a natural antioxidant produced by your liver. It has many benefits for your body. For one, glutathione relieves muscle fatigue in healthy men after cycling exercise. Dr. Richard Van Konynenburg suggested people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome lack glutathione. With this idea, he developed an experimental glutathione protocol for chronic fatigue syndrome. It aims to increase glutathione levels.

• L-Glutamine: It’s an amino acid that plays a role in energy production. It aids in the maintenance of your glutathione levels and immune functions. You may consider glutamine if you’re weight lifting and buffing your muscles. A study reveals glutamine supplementation results in increased muscle mass, strength, and power. It helps your muscles recover and improves your endurance, too.

• L-Ornithine: It’s an amino acid commonly used to improve athletic performance and endurance. Researchers suggest one way of combatting your fatigue is through ornithine supplementation. It’s shown to increase energy and get rid of ammonia which induces muscle fatigue.

• L-Arginine: It’s an amino acid beneficial in boosting athletic performance as a supplement. A systemic review shows arginine supplementation may be helpful for people doing aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise involves your heart performance over some time, such as running and cycling. In contrast, anaerobic exercise involves a quick burst of your energy with more effort in a short time. An example is the popular high-intensity interval training.

• Lysine citrulline: A precursor of L-arginine, L-citrulline supports a healthy immune system. You can also use it as a supplement for exercise performance and recovery. Researchers noted it removes ammonia in the muscles after exhaustive exercise. It reduces muscle soreness and fatigue. 

• L-Carnitine: It’s a natural-occurring chemical produced by the body like amino acids. As a supplement, it enhances endurance and strength among elite athletes. It relieves muscle injury symptoms of pain and tenderness.

• B Vitamins: A study establishes a clear link between B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12), depression, and the immune system. Vitamin B6, in particular, boosts the immune response even in critically ill patients. No doubt, your immune system benefits from B vitamins.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C assists the growth and healing of your bones, skin, and tissues. Researchers noted Vitamin C enhances the immune system, which prevents and treats respiratory and systemic infections. It’s an efficient and strong antioxidant. A lack of Vitamin C  lowers the body’s defenses against various infections.

• Zinc: This nutrient keeps your body healthy by helping fight off bacteria and viruses. It’s an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Zinc is called the “gatekeeper of immune function.” A study by the Ohio State University suggests zinc helps control infections. It prevents inflammation, which can be fatal.

• Glutathione: It’s an antioxidant produced by your body. A decline of glutathione levels is related to the progression of disease and viral infections. Glutathione and its derivatives stop the growth of bacteria and viruses. This ability is possible through its antimicrobial effect and ability to modify immune function. 

• Alpha-lipoic acid: ALA is a powerful antioxidant that regulates your immune system in many ways. A study suggests ALA may assist in treating autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It boosts other antioxidants like  Vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10. And ALA restores the normal function of immune system cells.

• Molybdenum: It’s a trace mineral or micronutrient found in your body. It works with other enzymes to help prevent the build-up of toxins. Molybdenum supports the proper function of xanthine, oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and mARC. These break down drugs and other toxins in the body.

• N-acetyl cysteine: It’s an amino acid to help build antioxidants. It supports your immune system in three ways. First, it replenishes glutathione. Second, it breaks down mucus in respiratory conditions. And third, it protects the body against bacteria.

• Methionine: It’s an amino acid that contains sulfur found in your body. It protects your tissues and maintains the proper function of your cells. Based on a quail study, supplementation improves antioxidant status and immunity against diseases.  It protects cells from damage brought about by the body’s inability to get rid of toxins

• Asthma: Magnesium is a nutrient that has many functions. One of these is its ability to relax and expand the muscles of your lungs for greater airflow. As a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory, it can relieve people with asthma. Magnesium sulfate can serve as an adjunct intervention of acute asthma in adults. It works for moderate to severe asthma in children. (Link to Asthma - Magnesium)

• Blood sugar regulation: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) improves your blood sugar control and reduces your insulin resistance. It lowers your risk of diabetic complications. A study with the same results supports the use of ALA as an antioxidant in the care of people with diabetes. (Link to blood sugar regulation - ALA)

• Liver health: ALA is a therapeutic agent in liver diseases. Examples are diseases caused by alcohol and poisoning due to harmful elements. Vitamin C as an antioxidant also benefits your liver. A study reveals it can restore gut-liver function and protect the liver against toxic substances. (Link to liver health – ALA and vitamin C)

• Cancer and chemotherapy support: Researchers considered Vitamin C an effective supportive therapy for people with cancer. It improves the side effects of cancer therapy and relieves symptoms. It’s an effective therapy that reduces fatigue due to cancer and chemotherapy.  It’s safe for everyone as a lone therapy or in tandem with chemotherapies. (Link to cancer and therapy support – Vitamin C)

• Migraines: Vitamin B2 supplementation is effective in preventing migraines in children and adults. It is safe and well-tolerated even at high doses. Magnesium treats acute migraines as a symptom of premenstrual syndrome. Calcium supplementation helps since the lack of calcium has been shown to cause headaches. Infusion of Toradol with SPG and hydration work as well. (Link to migraines)

• Skin and nail health: A lot of studies have shown Vitamin C keeps your skin healthy.  Vitamin C with Vitamin B-complex assists skin health and wound healing. And who hasn’t heard of the wonders of glutathione? Extensive studies have exhibited its anti-aging and skin-lightening properties.  (Link to skin and nail health)

• Sinusitis, itching, and allergy: Diphenhydramine infusion may help people with flare-ups of allergic symptoms. Moreover, it provides relief for people who are prone to severe allergic reactions. (Link to sinusitis, itching, and allergy)

• Pre-and post-operative care: What do Vitamin C, Arginine, Trace-Minerals, B-Vitamins, Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Glutathione have in common? These supplements benefit people during pre-and post-surgery.  Vitamin C, ALA, and carnitine reduce oxidative stress. Arginine and glutamine supplements improve immune function and post-surgery recovery. (link to pre-op and post-operative care)

• Energy and age-related health conditions: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD+ is a coenzyme found naturally in your body. It’s an energy booster, anti-aging, and antioxidant substance. It also reduces your cravings for food, drugs, and alcohol. It suppresses weight gain, improves your muscle health, and enhances your mood. (link to 10+1 benefits of NAD+)

• Skin aging: Peptides are amino acids that stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen makes the skin look fresh, firm, and younger-looking. It’s a valuable anti-wrinkle substance. It helps in treating your pigmentation and sun-damaged skin, too. Peptides have other benefits. Click here for more details (link to peptides page).

Part 3: Diagnostic Tests

Various laboratory and diagnostics tests help you know more about your health. It gives info other than the signs and symptoms you may or may not be experiencing. Testing shows the status of your health. It checks if you have an infection or disease. And it sees how your organs are functioning. Testing happens in various ways. Your body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, and tissue serve as samples. The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ offers five tests for different health-related reasons:

1. Vitamin D Level

Your body needs Vitamin D. It improves immunity and maintains healthy bones, teeth, and skin. A Vitamin D test screens for disorders in the bone. It checks for certain autoimmune diseases, asthma, and psoriasis.

A medical practitioner orders a Vitamin D test if you have Vitamin D deficiency. You may have symptoms of soft, weak, or brittle bones. In children, Vitamin D deficiency leads to malformed bones.  If you have symptoms of soft, weak, or brittle bones, you are at higher risk for deficiency.  Some of these risks are age, overweight, bone disorder, or lack of sun exposure. (link to vitamin D level test)

2. Comprehensive Nutritional Test

Malnutrition affected 462 million people worldwide in 2014 alone, according to the World Health Organization. It’s categorized as undernutrition and micronutrient malnutrition, or a lack or excess of vitamins and minerals. t Malnutrition happens by diseases, such as obesity, heart problems, diabetes, or cancer.

The prevention of diseases has a lot to do with proper nutrition. Healthcare professionals assess nutritional status in various ways. One method is through a comprehensive dietary test. It evaluates your body’s need for amino and fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. (link to comprehensive nutritional test)

3. Food Sensitivity Test

Food allergies, sensitivity, and tolerances may cause inflammatory reactions. These may be mild to severe, such as rashes, digestive problems, or anaphylaxis. Food Inflammation Test or FIT measures IgG and immune complexes, which have something to do with your immune response to certain foods. To determine which foods harm you, FIT identifies 22, 132, to 176 possible causes.

The most comprehensive of the three tests, FIT 176 detects 176 foods, colorings, and additives in major food groups. This test allows you to eliminate foods you react to most. (link to Food Sensitivity Test)

4. Glutathione Level Test

Glutathione is the master antioxidant that naturally occurs in your body. It maintains good health, aids in fighting free radicals, and promotes long life. Glutathione levels in your body may decrease when you grow old.  This decrease can also happen with specific diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s disease.

You may have glutathione deficiency if you experience any of the symptoms. These are feeling tired or sickly all the time, low energy, muscle or joint pains, poor sleep, and brain fog. The glutathione test measures your glutathione level to know if you need to increase your glutathione intake. (link to Glutathione Level Test)

5. Oxidative Stress Test

Oxidative stress happens when you have an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in your body. Free radicals can cause damage to your body if your antioxidants can’t keep up. Over time your body may develop diabetes, cancer, heart or inflammatory problems, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Some of the symptoms of oxidative stress are somewhat similar to low levels of glutathione. These symptoms include fatigue, memory loss, body pains, headaches, and susceptibility to infections. Oxidative stress test measures your antioxidant reserves and evaluates damage caused by free radicals. Results tell you if you have an imbalance so you can correct it. . (link Oxidative Stress Test)

Injection and IV Infusion Services near you

Injection or IV Infusion therapies play an essential role in the prevention of health conditions. It can serve as a complement to medical interventions. And medical professionals customize the infusion based on your needs. The Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ offers a wide array of procedures for you.Let us know how we could help you! You may visit us at Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Tijeras, Edgewood, Los Lunas, and other surrounding areas. Give us a call at the Injection and Infusion Clinic of ABQ – 505 445 4300.