Your questions, answered.
Everything you want to know about IV therapy, weight loss, mobile service, and what to expect at Drip 280, in Inverness and the greater Birmingham area.
How IV therapy actually works.
New to IV therapy? Start here. These are the questions every first-time client asks before their intro.
What is IV therapy and how does it work?
IV therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, and minerals directly into your bloodstream through a small IV line. Because it skips the digestive system, your body can use close to all of what is in the bag, rather than the smaller share you absorb from pills or food. At Drip 280, every formula is designed by a physician, so you know exactly what you are getting and why.
How much does IV therapy cost in Birmingham?
Most IV drips at Drip 280 range from about $95 to $189, with specialty drips like NAD+ and CBD higher, and vitamin boosters starting around $19, all published on our menu with no hidden fees. A lot of what drives up the price of IV therapy elsewhere has nothing to do with the drip: it is the sauna, the cryo chamber, the spa amenities folded into every visit. We do one thing, IV therapy done right, so your price reflects the medicine and the physician oversight behind it, not amenities you did not come for.
Is IV therapy safe?
Yes, when it is done under real medical oversight. Every protocol at Drip 280 is designed by a board-certified physician, and every IV is started by a licensed nurse. We review your health history at your free intro before your first session to make sure the drips you choose are a good fit for you.
Who administers the IV drips?
Every IV is started by a certified registered nurse or nurse practitioner, the same standard used in a clinical setting. Our protocols are designed and overseen by our physician owner, Dr. Daniel Smith, who is local and reachable anytime with medical questions.
Can anyone get IV therapy, or are there restrictions?
Most healthy adults are good candidates for IV therapy. Some health conditions, medications, or pregnancy may affect which drips are appropriate, which is why we review your history at your free intro. If anything needs a closer look, our physician is available to weigh in.
What to expect when you arrive.
From your first intro to walking out the door, here is what a Drip 280 visit looks like from start to finish.
What happens during my first visit?
New clients start with a free intro that takes about 10 minutes. We review your health history, talk through your goals, and help you choose the right drip or booster. Once you are cleared, you can settle into a chair and your nurse will get you started. Your intro is valid for three years.
How long does a session take?
Most IV drips take about 30 to 45 minutes once you are settled in. Vitamin boosters are much faster, usually just a few minutes. You are welcome to relax, work, or unwind while your drip runs.
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
New clients need to complete a free intro before their first drip, so we ask that you book that ahead of time. After your intro, returning clients are welcome to walk in anytime during business hours, though booking ahead helps us have a chair ready for you.
What should I do to prepare?
Come hydrated and having eaten something, since arriving on an empty stomach can make you lightheaded. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily. That is really all you need to do.
Are there any side effects?
IV therapy is well tolerated by most people. Some feel a cool sensation as the fluids go in, or mild tenderness at the IV site. Serious reactions are rare, and because a licensed nurse is with you throughout, anything that comes up is handled right away.
What if I'm nervous about needles?
You are not alone, and our nurses do this all day. Let them know at check-in and they will talk you through each step and take their time. Many people who dread needles tell us the IV was easier than they expected.
Can I drive myself home after a session?
Yes. IV therapy does not impair you, so you are free to drive yourself home or back to work afterward. If a specific drip is an exception, your nurse will let you know before you start.
Drips, boosters, add-ins & more.
Questions about what we offer, how to choose the right drip, and what makes IV delivery different from taking supplements by mouth.
What's the difference between an IV drip and a booster?
An IV drip delivers fluids along with a full blend of vitamins and minerals through an IV line over 30 to 45 minutes. A booster is a quick intramuscular injection of a single nutrient, like B12 or glutathione, that takes just a few minutes. Drips do more at once, boosters are fast and targeted, and you can add boosters to any drip.
How do I know which drip is right for me?
That is exactly what your free intro is for. Tell us how you want to feel, and our team will walk you through the options and recommend what fits. If you would rather browse first, every drip and its full ingredient list is published on our menu.
How often should I get IV therapy?
It depends on your goals. Some people come in as needed, before travel, after a tough week, or when they feel run down, while others come regularly for ongoing support. Our team can suggest a rhythm that makes sense for you, and a membership is worth considering if you plan to come often.
Can I customize my IV drip?
Yes. You can add boosters and add-ins like extra glutathione, B12, or NAD+ to most drips to tailor your session. Our team can help you build the right combination at your visit.
Is IV therapy the same as what I'd get in a hospital?
The delivery method is the same, and our nurses use the same clinical standards. The difference is the setting and the purpose. Drip 280 is a comfortable lounge focused on wellness and recovery, not an emergency room. For a true medical emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
Can I get IV therapy if I'm pregnant?
Talk to your OB first. Some of our drips, like Morning Sickness and Super Mom, are designed with expecting moms in mind, but we ask for OB clearance before your session. Your health and your baby's come first.
Pricing, payment & membership.
What IV therapy costs, how to pay, and whether a membership makes sense for your situation.
Is IV therapy covered by insurance?
IV therapy is generally not covered by insurance, and we do not bill insurance directly. We are happy to provide a receipt if you would like to submit it to your provider. Our published pricing means you always know the cost up front.
Can I pay with my HSA or FSA card?
Often, yes. Many clients use HSA or FSA funds for IV therapy, though eligibility depends on your specific plan. We recommend checking with your plan administrator, and we can provide a receipt for your records.
What does a Drip 280 membership include?
Our membership is a monthly plan that includes a drip each month, member pricing on additional drips and add-ins, and credits that do not expire if you miss a month. It is built for people who come in regularly and want to save. You can see current tiers and pricing on our membership page.
We come to you. Real medicine.
Questions about our mobile concierge service and physician-supervised medical weight loss program.
Do you offer mobile IV therapy near Birmingham, AL?
Yes. Our concierge service brings IV therapy to your home, office, or event across the Birmingham 280 corridor, including Inverness, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and the surrounding area. You get the same physician-designed drips and licensed nurses, wherever you are.
What is Semaglutide and how does it work for weight loss?
Semaglutide is a physician-prescribed medication that supports weight loss by helping you feel full sooner and stay full longer, which makes it easier to eat less without constant hunger. At Drip 280 it is part of a medically supervised program that starts with a consult with our physician.
What is the difference between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Both are physician-prescribed weight loss medications given as a weekly injection, and both help manage appetite. Tirzepatide works on two appetite-related pathways rather than one, which some people respond to differently. Our physician will help you decide which is the better fit at your consultation.
Still have questions?
Our team is easy to reach. Call or text us during business hours, or book a free intro and ask in person. Serving Inverness, Hoover, and the Birmingham 280 corridor.


