Infusion is a way of delivering medicine directly into your body through a vein (IV). Instead of swallowing a pill, the medicine flows slowly through a needle or small tube while you relax in a treatment chair.

Giving certain medicines by infusion can make them much more effective. It also helps us carefully control the dose and timing.

Infusion therapy can require a needle stick for an IV. If you’ll need many infusion sessions, your doctor might implant a port to make it easier. This way, you won’t need a needle stick each time.

Some people can do infusion therapy at home. Your care team will talk to you about this if this is an option for you. But many people come directly to one of our outpatient infusion centers for their treatment.

Why some medicines need infusion

Some medicines work best when delivered directly into the bloodstream instead of by mouth. Pills or capsules can be less effective because the digestive system breaks them down or causes side effects.

We give medicines by infusion if:

• The stomach destroys the medicine
• The intestines don’t absorb the medicine well
• The medicine can upset the stomach if taken by mouth
• The medicine must be carefully controlled in terms of how quickly it enters the bloodstream
• The medicine may be too strong or toxic to take orally
• The medicines work better when delivered directly to the bloodstream

For example, a common type of infused medicine is biologics. These are often large proteins called antibodies that target parts of the immune system or cancer cells. These medicines aren’t effective if taken by mouth.

Because doctors give a wide variety of medicines by infusion, we use them for many health needs. Your care team will tell you if your treatment includes getting regular infusions.

Conditions that often require treatment with infusions include:

• Inflammatory diseases: Biologics targeting the immune system are a common treatment for inflammatory diseases. They’re used for inflammatory arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease or multiple sclerosis.
• Cancer: Cancer medicines are often given as infusions. This helps to control chemotherapy side effects. Also, targeted or immunotherapy medicines are often biologics.
• Bone conditions: We give medicines for osteoporosis by infusion. They’re too tough on the stomach and don’t make it to the blood when given orally.
• Anemia: You may need an iron infusion if oral iron supplements aren’t working or are making you feel sick.
• Immune deficiencies: Infusions of antibodies (IV immunoglobulin) can help strengthen the immune system and prevent infections.
• Bleeding disorders: Clotting factor proteins can prevent or treat bleeding episodes in hemophilia. They’re too large to be taken in pill form.
• Blood transfusions: Some diseases, like beta thalassemia, require regular blood transfusions.

To get started, your doctor sends an order for your infusion therapy. Once we have that, we’ll verify with insurance and work to schedule you as quickly as we can.

During your infusion treatment

We try to make your infusion therapy as comfortable as possible. We’ve designed the spaces to be quiet and calm. 

You can have one adult visitor with you during your treatment. Note that we don’t allow kids in the treatment area.

We have pillows, warm blankets and snacks. You can also bring your own food or drinks, as long as your doctor has cleared this. People often bring books, mobile devices or things to help distract them.

Our trained staff monitors you the entire time. And you always have access to a nurse. If you have a bad reaction, we have emergency medicines available.

Your treatment may last as little as 30 minutes or several hours. Your care team will tell you ahead of time what to plan for.

After your infusion treatment

Some medicines may have side effects. Your care team will talk to you about this.

You’ll also know whether you need someone with you to drive you home. Some medicines can cause drowsiness. 

With some medicines, you’ll need to avoid things like sun exposure, heavy exercise or alcohol right after treatment. Your care team will make sure you have complete instructions before you leave your first treatment.