Infusion therapy is a medical procedure that delivers medication directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. It’s commonly used to treat a variety of medical conditions, from chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease to infections that are unresponsive to oral antibiotics.
If you’re about to start infusion therapy, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious. To help ease your concerns, let’s walk through what you can expect during the process.
What is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is a medical treatment that involves administering medication through a needle or catheter. It’s typically a more intense or direct route of medication delivery than oral medications or those given topically (on the skin).
The therapy is generally prescribed to patients with conditions that are better managed with medication delivered directly into a vein. Infusion therapy has several benefits:
- Effectiveness: Because the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream, it can start working immediately. This is particularly beneficial for medications that might be less effective if taken orally due to stomach acids and digestive enzymes.
- Convenience: Infusion therapy can often be administered in the comfort of the patient’s home or at an outpatient infusion center, reducing the need for hospital stays.
- Customization: The dosage and rate of medication delivery can be adjusted to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Before Your Infusion
Before starting the treatment, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and current medications to ensure that infusion therapy is the right option for you. They may also run some diagnostic tests to assess your condition.
This appointment is your chance to ask any questions you may have about the infusion procedure, your specific care plan, and what to expect on the day of your infusion.
The Day of Your Infusion
On the day of your infusion, it’s essential to maintain an open and communicative relationship with your healthcare provider and staff. The staff will be trained to deal with any questions or concerns you may have, and you should feel comfortable speaking up.
When you arrive at the clinic:
- Check-in and verify your identity. It is standard practice for staff at the infusion center to confirm your identity before starting any procedure.
- Sit and wait for your name to be called. The staff will assist you to a treatment area, usually a private room.
- Prepare to spend a few hours. Infusion therapy can sometimes take a few hours. Be sure to bring a book, download a podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to, or anything else to keep you occupied.
The Actual Infusion Process
Here is what you can expect from the actual infusion process:
- Setting Up: The healthcare provider will clean the skin over your vein and insert a small needle connected to a thin tube (catheter). The other end of this tube is connected to a bag containing the medication.
- Administration of Medication: The medication will slowly drip from the bag, through the tube, and into your vein. This allows the medication to be delivered directly into your bloodstream, ensuring it can begin working quickly.
- Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, your vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, will be closely monitored. A healthcare professional will also be on hand to address any concerns or discomfort you might experience.
The duration of the infusion varies depending on the type of medication being administered and your specific treatment plan. It can range from as short as 20 minutes to several hours.
Following the infusion
Once the infusion is complete, the needle will be removed, and a small bandage will be placed over the injection site. You might feel a little tired after the procedure, but most people can resume their normal activities immediately.
Your healthcare provider will explain any additional steps you may need to follow after you leave the infusion center. This may include monitoring for any side effects and attending follow-up appointments to check your response to the treatment.
Infusion Therapy in Atlanta, GA
Are you or a loved one grappling with a condition that hasn’t responded well to oral medications? Infusion therapy could be the answer. At GI Care Infusion, we specialize in providing this innovative treatment, offering hope to those dealing with various health challenges.
Whether it’s an autoimmune disorder, infection, or other diseases, our skilled team uses state-of-the-art equipment to administer medication directly into your bloodstream. We ensure the process is as comfortable as possible and monitor you closely throughout the procedure.
To learn more about infusion therapy and how it can help you, contact us at (470) 785-4616 or request your visit through our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
