There several facts about infusion therapy Long Island patients need to have in mind as they wait to have this treatment. The treatment involves the administration of medication by use of catheters or hypodermic needles. Catheters are tubes of different sizes that are used to facilitate the flow of fluid into or out of the body. Although the term is commonly used to refer to drug administration through the intravenous route, it should be remembered that it also encompasses other routes such as epidural and intramuscular.
The therapy is usually used when there is need to give drugs that may not be taken orally. This may be either due to failure of absorption or when the drug cannot reach its site when taken through this site. It is also used when there is a need to achieve rapid effect. Infusion ensures that a constant dose of drug is supplied to the site of action.
There are a number of diseases and medical conditions treated in this manner. The common ones include cancers, dehydration, multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal disorders, immune deficiencies, congestive cardiac failure, cancer-related pain and hemophilia among others. At times treatment may comprise simultaneous administration of drugs via different routes.
For a long time, it was a must that a patient on this mode of treatment to remain admitted. This was to change sometime during the 1980s when it was realized that it was very expensive. There was need to institute some modifications to help the patient receive this treatment in alternative locations at a relatively lower cost.
Some of the improvements which have been made on the technique include introduction of infusion sets that allow users to walk about. They can be able to do various tasks without being interrupted. Another major improvement is the use of infusion pumps. The pumps have enabled accurate drug administration to the patients. Patients can be able to administer the drugs themselves without overdosing.
The alternative places to be used for infusion may be the homes of the patients, their workplaces or in outpatient clinics. Patients who chose to have the infusions at home have to be taught how to administer them by themselves or with the help of a person they live with. The same applies for those who wish to have the treatment in their work place. When they choose an outpatient clinic, they will come to the center, receive treatment and leave after the treatment has been completed.
In preparing to receive treatment, there are a number of guidelines to be followed by the patient. One of them is the fact that they should ensure they are well dehydrated. If there is a condition that prevents fluid intake, one will need to consult with their physicians on alternative ways of hydration. Preparation may also involve premedication. One needs to be aware of such a requirement beforehand. Other requirements may include wearing of loosely fitting clothes, preparation of a list of medication taken and avoidance of perfumes among others.
Something important regarding infusion therapy Long Island patients should know is that the treatment occasionally results in some side effects. Since drugs are administered systemically, the side effects are also likely to be systemic. In the event that the effects are too severe, one will be well advised to see a physician immediately for an assessment.
The therapy is usually used when there is need to give drugs that may not be taken orally. This may be either due to failure of absorption or when the drug cannot reach its site when taken through this site. It is also used when there is a need to achieve rapid effect. Infusion ensures that a constant dose of drug is supplied to the site of action.
There are a number of diseases and medical conditions treated in this manner. The common ones include cancers, dehydration, multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal disorders, immune deficiencies, congestive cardiac failure, cancer-related pain and hemophilia among others. At times treatment may comprise simultaneous administration of drugs via different routes.
For a long time, it was a must that a patient on this mode of treatment to remain admitted. This was to change sometime during the 1980s when it was realized that it was very expensive. There was need to institute some modifications to help the patient receive this treatment in alternative locations at a relatively lower cost.
Some of the improvements which have been made on the technique include introduction of infusion sets that allow users to walk about. They can be able to do various tasks without being interrupted. Another major improvement is the use of infusion pumps. The pumps have enabled accurate drug administration to the patients. Patients can be able to administer the drugs themselves without overdosing.
The alternative places to be used for infusion may be the homes of the patients, their workplaces or in outpatient clinics. Patients who chose to have the infusions at home have to be taught how to administer them by themselves or with the help of a person they live with. The same applies for those who wish to have the treatment in their work place. When they choose an outpatient clinic, they will come to the center, receive treatment and leave after the treatment has been completed.
In preparing to receive treatment, there are a number of guidelines to be followed by the patient. One of them is the fact that they should ensure they are well dehydrated. If there is a condition that prevents fluid intake, one will need to consult with their physicians on alternative ways of hydration. Preparation may also involve premedication. One needs to be aware of such a requirement beforehand. Other requirements may include wearing of loosely fitting clothes, preparation of a list of medication taken and avoidance of perfumes among others.
Something important regarding infusion therapy Long Island patients should know is that the treatment occasionally results in some side effects. Since drugs are administered systemically, the side effects are also likely to be systemic. In the event that the effects are too severe, one will be well advised to see a physician immediately for an assessment.
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