If someone has a disease where they can't eat, can't take her medication properly, or needs medication to go directly into the bloodstream, they will often turn to infusion therapy. It's perfect for somebody with cancer, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or other internal illnesses that need to be treated using an intravenous medication.
Instead of giving patients medication to take orally, some doctors will administer the medication by inserting into a patient's vein. Infusion systems could previously only be used in hospitals, but now it is widely used at infusion therapy centers and can even be administered at a patient's home by specialized nurses.
These nurses, who administer the medications in a patient's home, have been trained and have met specific standards and regulations set by the board of pharmacies and by the government. Patients who can't take medication orally are usually prime candidates for this kind of treatment. However, a person who may be able to take a medication orally but whose disease doesn't respond well to that type of medication can opt for IV infusion therapy instead.
The infusion times for other medications vary widely according to what is being given and how your body tolerates it. You should ask your doctor how long these other medications will take. How often are infusions given? Intervals between infusions often range between days to weeks. The frequency of infusions depends upon many factors and will need to be determined by your doctor.
Please discuss your anticipated therapy plan with him or her. Are infusions painful? Most infusion medications are not painful to receive.
The placement of the IV catheter may feel painful to some people. Providers often have many ways to decrease the pain of inserting an IV catheter, including using numbing creams and sprays, distraction techniques and devices which provide physical pain blocking using cold and vibration. Check with your doctor to see which pain control plan might work best for you. Are there any side effects to infusions? Side effects can develop with any intravenous infusion.
Severe adverse events can occur but are rare. Some side effects can be reduced by premedication with certain medicines. Please check with your doctor to receive a complete list of the side effects of the medications that have been prescribed for you. He or she will choose treatments to minimize your risk. With IVIG, you may develop a headache during or after your infusion.
Some people also feel cold during the infusion and often ask for a blanket. This is tailored specifically to each patient and the treatment they will be receiving. During chemo education class, we spend a lot of time reviewing drugs, expectations and side effects itching, cough, etc. The first infusion may take a little longer than subsequent infusions. Depending on the medication, it may take up to an hour longer. Some medications need to go in at a slower rate the first time to ensure the patient has no reaction.
Some medication may require a pre-treatment to prevent nausea and allergic reactions. It can take an hour and a half to administer these long-acting medications. A side effect may be feeling tired; this is one reason to bring someone else along to drive you home. We do have visitors from Parkview Healing Arts and pet therapy. Care providers will ask your permission before these teams approach.
Prior to every chemo treatment, patients get lab work. These labs can take as long as 45 minutes. The care team will take your height, weight, labs and overall health into consideration to determine if you can have chemo that day. We have nurse navigators available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at At look at the many reasons those fighting or recovering from cancer should get the flu shot this season. The Mammography Team at Parkview Cancer Institute discusses the affect implants could have on your mammogram.
Return to Parkview Dashboard Blog. What to expect at your first infusion treatment.
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