In this Article

• Introduction
• What are some of the conditions that are treated with an IV drug infusion?
• How do I prepare for the infusion?
• What are some things I can do to pass the time while receiving therapy?
• What happens during and after the infusion?
• IV Drug Infusion FAQs Index

What are some things I can do to pass the time while receiving therapy?

Things to take or do:

• Book
  
  
• Magazine
  
  
• Newspaper
  
  
• Crossword puzzle or suduko game
  
  
• Hand held games - (if they are quiet or have headphones)
  
  
• Bring your own music (I-pod or MP3 player)
  
  
• A neck pillow - the type used on airplanes
  
  
• Pictures of your family or loved ones
  
  
• Study for that upcoming test
  
  
• Bring your computer and get some work done, watch a movie, or play games.
  
  
• Snacks and a drink (if allowed in the infusion room)
  
  
• Bring paper and pen - make a list of things you need to do
  
  
• Write a letter -a letter of encouragement - of love - of thanks.
  
  
• Catch up on paper work
  
  
• Plan a party
  
  
• Make your shopping list
  
  
• Knit
  
  
• Crochet
  
  
• Draw or doodle
  
  
• Plan a trip
  
  
• Take a nap
  
  
• Pray
  
  
• Meditate

PLEASE DO NOT TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE - Place your phone on vibrate mode or turn it off. This is not a time for talking on the phone (unless you have an OK from the infusion staff).

Arrive at the infusion center with a:

• Smile
  
  
• Positive attitude (you are in good hands).
  
  
• Personal affirmation - Find one that feels good and energizes you. For example: "I have the perfect medicine...at the perfect time...I am healing."
  
  
• Sit back and relax

What happens during and after the infusion?

• Ask questions and notify the staff immediately if you are not feeling "right" or have a concern.
  
  
• Consider talking with someone in the Infusion Center receiving treatment. They may have some advice about their health condition that will help you. You may meet a new friend.
  
  
• After your infusion is completed, ask for any important post infusion instructions.
  
  
• You may need to take post-infusion medications. Check with your healthcare practitioner or the infusion staff for detailed instructions.
  
  
• A dressing will be placed in the area where your infusion was done. This dressing should be kept in place for at least 30 minutes or longer. If you are on a blood thinner, leave the dressing in place longer to avoid any bleeding. Check with the staff at the Infusion Center in regard to the length of time necessary to keep the dressing in place.
  
  
• If you have an allergy to tape, inform the infusion staff (advise them of all allergies).
  
  
• Obtain a phone number to call in the event that you have any questions or possible side effects to the medication you receive (such as a fever or rash) after your infusion has been completed.

Be confident that you are receiving excellent care!

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan - Explains the medication cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), a drug used for the treatment of several types of cancers and often in combination with other drugs to treat breast cancer, leukemia and ovarian cancer.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
• infliximab, Remicade - Depicts the medication infliximab (Remicade), a drug used for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

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