Infusion therapy is used to treat conditions in which medicine cannot be administered orally or must be administered at a controlled dosage. These conditions can include, but aren’t limited to:
- Cancer
- Serious infections
- Dehydration
- Congestive heart failure
- Immune deficiencies
- Crohn’s disease
- Hemophilia
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Infusion therapy benefits patients by rapidly infusing medicines, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream. Because of this, the therapy can also be used for other purposes, including boosting the immune system and treating allergies.
This access to a more potent delivery of medicines and nutrients allows patients to successfully manage their symptoms related to chronic diseases.
What is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy involves receiving medicine via a needle or catheter. These medicines can be delivered using an intravenous line (IV), epidural, intramuscular injection, or subcutaneous injection.
Most often, people’s first encounter with infusion therapy comes in the form of an IV administered at a hospital. Infusion therapy is now more widely available, and you can benefit from it at outpatient infusion therapy centers or in the comfort of your home with a licensed nurse.
Types of Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy can benefit many illnesses, help manage symptoms, and increase overall well-being. A licensed health care provider can help you decide what treatment plan is best for you.
Many centers offer the following types of infusion therapy:
- Antibiotic/Antiviral
- Pain management
- Hydration
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Lipotropic injections
- Anticoagulation
- Antioxidants
Your healthcare provider can discuss the specifics of your treatment plan, including how many sessions you will need and what changes you can expect over time.
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Differences Between Infusion Therapy and Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are administered as an infusion or injection. Chemotherapy drugs are extremely potent and toxic to the body. Therefore, they must be administered in controlled doses. While chemotherapy is a type of infusion therapy, they are not synonymous.
As previously mentioned, infusion therapy can be administered in many different ways and to treat different conditions.
What to Expect When Undergoing IV Infusion Therapy
IV infusion therapy is the most common form of infusion therapy. Your healthcare provider will start an IV line in either of your arms by injecting a small needle into your vein. This needle is attached to a tube that will deliver a steady medicine drip to your bloodstream from an IV bag.
Your time in-office will depend on the type of treatment you’re getting and can range from 30 minutes to several hours. However, regardless of how long your therapy takes, your provider will work to make you comfortable, and you are free to take bathroom breaks or stretch your legs as needed.
You should drink lots of water and dress comfortably before your appointment.
Potential Risks & Side Effects
There are risks associated with delivering medicine intravenously. For example, frequent usage of IV infusion therapy can cause scar tissue to build up around the injection site, potentially causing vein damage.
In addition, if the needle shifts or is knocked out of position during therapy, this can cause the medicine to get into the surrounding tissues, which can be harmful. Other risks include:
- Air embolism
- Collapsed vein
- Infection
- Mild bleeding around the injection site
- Vein irritation
- Vein inflammation
- A reaction to the medication
To reduce the risks and side effects of infusion therapy, you should disclose any relevant medical information, such as medicines you’re taking, and any allergies you may have.
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Is Infusion Therapy Right For You?
Although the risks of infusion therapy are minimal, it may not be the right treatment for everyone. For example, individuals dealing with kidney disease, high blood pressure, and certain heart conditions should consult with their doctor before undergoing infusion therapy.
These conditions can affect how your body absorbs or responds to the medicines or vitamins infused during treatment. A healthcare professional can explain to you how your body might react to therapy and what, if any, treatments may be right for you.
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Book Infusion Therapy Services Near You
Infusion therapy is a great resource for individuals managing chronic illnesses. Our physicians at Anti-Aging & Regenerative Associates have years of experience helping patients regain their vitality by using wholesome non-invasive therapies. But don’t take our word for it. Look at what our clients are saying about us.
For more information about how you can use infusion therapy to support your health goals, contact us today.
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