For Patients

Infusion therapy or intravenous therapy is a therapy option in which fluids are inserted directly into the veins. Treatments are customized to meet the needs of the patient and can be used to treat a variety of diseases. 

Yes, infusion therapy is very safe and such treatments are widely used in medical facilities all over the world. There is always a slight risk of an allergic reaction; however, we thoroughly screen all patients and monitor closely during each infusion. 

Although not common, bruises or hematoma can occur when blood collects under the skin from the IV puncture. These usually resolve without complication within a few hours. Other side effects may include:

FEVER

If you experience a fever, take Tylenol every 6 hours as needed. If fever continues, call the answering service and report it to the nurse. 

SWOLLEN ARM

If your arm is red or swollen, do not infuse. Elevate your arm on a pillow or cushion to see if the swelling will go down, and call the answering service to report the swelling. Please note any hives, drainage, pain, or other abnormality to the nurse when you call. 

RASH

If you get a rash, take over the counter Benadryl 25MG by mouth every 6 hours as needed. Also, take Benadryl 25MG by mouth 30 minutes before each infusion. If you are allergic to Benadryl, call the answering service and speak with a nurse. 

While many find needles to be relatively painless, others will find this process slightly painful. We do have many ways to make this process more comfortable including topical numbing agents. 

If you have pain at the infusion site, use a warm compress to lessen the pain. Do not lift any weight. If your arm is swollen, measure the circumference to monitor growth and report to the nurse by calling the answering service.

Most infusion therapy sessions last anywhere between half an hour to two hours, while some high dose drips can take two to three hours. 

Dressing changes, blood draws, and doctor consultations are usually done once a week, unless, there is a reason for any of these three to be done more frequently. 

Do not take the line out completely unless it is already out. Remember, the PICC line is over 12 inches long, so if it is only pulled out slightly, secure the line with tape. Call the answering service and report it to the nurse. 

If the dressing comes off, do not take it off completely. Secure the edges with tape. If a significant amount is pulled off or the line is exposed or close to being exposed, call the answering service to schedule an appointment with the nurse. 

• If you are on medication every 8 hours, you may take a missed medication up to 2 hours before or after your regular time, without any affect, and you can stay on your same schedule. 
• If you are on medication every 12 hours, you may take a missed medication up to 3 hours before or after your regular time, without any affect, and you can stay on your same schedule.
• If you are on medication every 24 hours, you may take a missed medication up to 8 hours before or after your regular time, without any affect, and you can stay on your same schedule.

If the medication infuses too fast: 

• Do not worry! Just pay more attention next time, and realize that you might experience some side effects from the medication (please refer to the information packet you received during your initial consultation). 

If the infusion stops dripping:

• Make sure all of your clamps are open and that you are sitting down.
• Disconnect your administration set from your PICC line and flush your PICC line with 5ML of normal saline.
• Use a new administration set, just be careful when you take out the old administration set from the medication, because the bag of medicine will empty out if you hold the medication bag right side up. Make sure you hold the medication bag upside down to prevent loss of medication. 
• Spike the medication bag with the new administration set and remember to prime your tubing.

Do not infuse Vancomycin, Clindamycin, or Gentamycin on the morning of the day you come in for a blood draw. All other medications may be infused. 

BUBBLES

Bubbles are fine, do not worry about them. You are not always going to be able to stop bubbles from appearing. If, however, there are air pockets that are 2 inches or bigger, you will need to reprise your tubing over a sink or trashcan to remove all of the air. 

BLOOD

Do not panic! Grab a normal saline syringe and flush the blood back in. Make sure to clamp the PICC line after.