Introduction
Getting medication through a catheter or needle is called infusion therapy. It is commonly done via the intravenous route (IV). The following are the other types of Infusion therapy:
- Intramuscular
- Subcutaneous
- Epidural
In some cases, the digestive system affects the effectiveness of medicine when it comes in contact with the stomach environment. That’s why certain drugs cannot be taken via the oral route. The alternative method used in such cases is infusion therapy.
You have experienced infusion therapy if you have ever been admitted to a hospital; you’ve probably had an IV to keep you hydrated and ensure that other medications were supplied rapidly if necessary. An insulin pump that delivers insulin directly under your skin is typical.
Use of Infusion Therapy
Various nutrients and different types of drugs can be delivered by infusion therapy, including:
- Antiviral
- Antiemetics
- Biologics
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Chemotherapy
- Corticosteroids
- Growth hormones
- Immunotherapy
- Total parenteral nutrition
- Pain management
- Ionotropic therapy
- Blood component stimulating factor
- Immunoglobulin replacement
The controlled dosing or controlled delivery of medicines via infusion therapy is one of the significant advantages. For example, some chemotherapy drugs must be injected slowly into the circulation. In life-or-death circumstances, other medications must enter the circulation rapidly. These situations include:
- Anaphylactic shock
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Poisoning
Based on the medicine and the condition being treated, an infusion therapy session might last 30 minutes to 3 hours. For some individuals, the cost of infusion therapy is a limitation. Infusions received at a hospital may cost up to twice as much as those obtained in an outpatient office infusion facility. Specialist facilities, such as infusion centers, are the best alternative for patients who need several treatments over a long period. These facilities are usually more pleasant and private than hospitals and relatively cheap compared to hospitals.
What Conditions Does Infusion Therapy Treat?
Infusion therapy is often used to treat severe or persistent illnesses that have developed resistance against antibiotics. Cancers and the discomfort they cause, gastrointestinal disorders, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and other conditions like Crohn’s disease are just a few instances. Multiple sclerosis, several kinds of arthritis, congestive heart failure, and immune deficiency disorders are other complicated conditions that react well to intravenous drugs. Several congenital illnesses also need intravenous treatments. Cure urgent care has clinical experience in managing the specific requirements of patients who require infusion therapy as part of their drug treatment regimen. Our pharmacy experts can work with your doctor to keep track of your treatment while also assisting you with managing side effects and avoiding medication combinations. In contrast, we understand that receiving pharmaceuticals through infusion treatment is a complicated procedure. Professionals can work in a better way; that’s why infusion therapy should not be a painful or scary experience.
Side effects of Infusion Therapy
The following are the possible side effects of infusion therapy:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle stiffness
- Itchiness at the injection site
- Headaches
Healthcare specialists must evaluate your prescription medication and explain any potential side effects to you before beginning your infusion therapy. Infection at the injection site, where the IV needle is inserted, is a significant concern. It’s also possible that the needle may get dislodged, allowing the solution to reach the surrounding tissues. A physician or a certified nurse oversees each infusion to reduce these hazards.
Conclusion
The intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular administration of drugs or fluids is commonly called infusion therapy. It is utilized for chemotherapy treatments and other medications that need to enter your system slowly, as the time can be adjusted. In the scenario of a life-threatening emergency, it may also be utilized to quickly transport medications into your bloodstream.
Infusion therapy is used to provide a number of therapies for a variety of ailments. Nurses or other qualified healthcare personnel commonly give it in a medical setting. Before starting infusion therapy, you must discuss the potential advantages and hazards of infusion therapy with your healthcare practitioner and what you can do to make it as safe and successful as possible.