How much does IV chelation therapy cost?
How much does IV chelation therapy cost?
$100 – $300 average cost per session
$500 – $6,000 average total treatment cost (5 – 20 sessions)
Intravenous chelation therapy cost
IV chelation therapy costs $100 to $300 per session, or $500 to $6,000 on average for an entire treatment series. The cost of chelation therapy depends on your location, the provider's credentials and experience level, and the condition you're treating. Chelation therapy most commonly treats heavy metal poisoning and toxicity.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per session | $100 – $300 |
| Average total cost (5 – 20 sessions) | $500 – $6,000 |
What is chelation therapy?
Chelation therapy is a medical procedure that involves removing heavy metals from the body, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, or arsenic. The therapy works by introducing substances called chelators into the bloodstream, which bind to metal ions, forming compounds that the body excretes through urine.
The most common method of administration is intravenous (IV), although oral forms are also available. Specific chelating agents are used for particular metal toxicities, such as:
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for lead poisoning
Dimercaptosuccinic acid for mercury and arsenic
Deferoxamine for iron overload
Benefits of chelation therapy
Chelation therapy offers several potential benefits, particularly in heavy metal detoxification and cardiovascular health. Here are the key advantages:
Removes toxic heavy metals from the body
Treats metal poisoning and iron overload
May improve overall health and energy levels
Possibly reduces the risk of heart problems
Could decrease inflammation in the body
Protect organs from metal-related damage
Generally safe and non-invasive
Little to no downtime after sessions
While experts agree chelation is effective for metal detoxification, they are still studying its benefits for other conditions.
Chelation therapy cost factors
The following factors can influence the total cost of an IV chelation appointment:
Geographic location: Chelation therapy prices can fluctuate considerably based on where you live. Metropolitan areas and regions with elevated living costs command higher fees for medical treatments.
Practitioner expertise: The cost may vary with the credentials and expertise of the healthcare professional delivering the chelation therapy. Specialists with extensive experience or advanced qualifications may set higher rates for their services.
Treatment frequency: The number of required sessions varies depending on the specific health issue you're addressing. The total expense can increase if you need multiple sessions or extended treatment periods.
Consultation: Most clinics won't perform IV chelation without a consultation appointment first. They may charge extra for a consultation, especially if they do any testing first.
Urine test: Many providers perform a test to see if there are any heavy metals present in your urine before they move forward with the chelation therapy. They may include this test in their pricing or charge a separate fee.
IV fluid: Many clinics offer added substances in the IV fluid, such as glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. They also commonly offer Myers' Cocktail, a combination of the following vitamins: magnesium chloride, calcium gluconate, vitamin C, and a vitamin B complex (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 12).
Other injections: Ask your provider if simply injecting the Myers' Cocktail or other vitamins and minerals would be better than chelation. IV vitamin therapy costs $130 to $320 per session.
Potential side effects
IV chelation therapy is safer and less toxic than surgical procedures for vascular diseases, but it does have several potential side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include:
Fever
Headache
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Burning sensation at the injection site
Serious side effects are rare but may include:
Anemia
Seizures
Liver damage
Respiratory failure
Low blood pressure
Kidney damage or failure
Depletion of zinc or manganese
Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrhythmias
Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock
Hypocalcemia (dangerously low calcium levels)
Warning: In rare cases, chelation therapy can cause severe complications, including brain damage and death. It should only be administered under medical supervision for approved conditions like heavy metal poisoning. The FDA hasn't approved it for treating heart disease, autism, or Alzheimer's disease.
IV chelation therapy FAQs
How does chelation therapy work?
During chelation therapy, the provider injects a "chelating agent" or amino acid via an IV. The chelating agent binds to the heavy metal molecules in the blood, which the body can safely flush out through the urine.
Why is chelation therapy controversial?
Chelation therapy is controversial because practitioners sometimes use it for unapproved conditions like heart disease. Despite some studies suggesting cardiovascular benefits, researchers have not established strong scientific evidence, and mainstream medical organizations do not recommend or use this treatment outside its approved purpose.
Healthcare providers have linked chelation therapy to serious side effects, including kidney failure and death. Practitioners' use of this therapy on vulnerable populations, such as children with autism, also raises ethical concerns.
The FDA has approved IV chelation therapy only for treating metal poisoning.
How many chelation treatments do I need?
Providers recommend anywhere from 5 to 30+ chelation sessions, depending on what you're trying to treat. Mold and heavy metal toxicity normally takes 5 to 10 sessions, while chelation for cancer or cardiovascular disease may take 20 to 30+ sessions.
Each session lasts 1 to 3 hours, depending on the dosage and infusion type, and takes place every 1 week to 2 months.
Is chelation therapy safe?
Chelation therapy is generally safe when used for its FDA-approved purpose of treating heavy metal poisoning under proper medical supervision. However, it carries significant risks and potential side effects, especially when used for unapproved conditions.
Choosing a chelation provider
Follow these guidelines to select a qualified IV therapy provider near you:
Search for licensed providers with specific training in chelation therapy.
Verify the provers' credentials, experience, and success rates with your specific condition.
Check out other patients' reviews on trusted sites like Google and Thervo.
If you have multiple chelation therapy providers in your area, consult with more than one and compare their approaches, costs, and current promotions.
Questions to ask about chelation therapy
When considering chelation therapy, ask your healthcare provider these important questions:
What experience do you have in administering chelation therapy?
What specific condition do you recommend chelation therapy for?
Is this an FDA-approved use of chelation therapy?
What chelating agent will you use, and why is it the best choice for my condition?
How many sessions will I need, and how long will each session take?
What are the potential side effects and risks associated with this treatment?
How will you monitor my health during the treatment course?
What tests will you do before, during, and after the therapy to assess its effectiveness?
Are there any alternatives to chelation therapy for my condition?
What is the total cost of the treatment, and is it covered by insurance?
What precautions should I take before and after each session?
How will you replace essential minerals that may be removed during chelation?
How will we determine if the therapy is working?
Are there any contraindications based on my current health status or medications?
What should I do if I experience any adverse reactions?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.