Home Infusion Therapy
Home Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy is a safe way to take medicines or fluids that can’t be taken by mouth. Instead, they flow through a flexible tube (catheter) that’s placed in a vein or just under the skin—usually on your arm or chest. This is called the infusion site.
Advantages of home therapy
Home infusion therapy allows you to live a more normal life. Home therapy also costs less than treatment in a hospital. With proper care, the risk of infection can be low.
Your role
With home therapy you take an active role in your treatment. A home healthcare company brings your supplies, and a nurse shows you what to do. You need to know the following:
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Who to call in an emergency
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What supplies you need
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How to prevent infection
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How to handle and store your supplies safely
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Where to get support
When to call the nurse
Call the nurse if you notice any of the following problems:
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There is redness, swelling, drainage, or pain around the infusion site.
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Your temperature is higher than normal or you have chills.
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You have swelling in your chest, arm, or neck. Fluid may be leaking into the tissue.
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The catheter or tubing comes out.
Turn off the system and call the nurse if:
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The pole falls over and something breaks, or you have a problem putting the pole upright and restarting the system.
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The solution isn’t running smoothly through the tubing.
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There is a tear or leak in the tubing or the catheter.
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The alarm on the pump comes on.
Updated:  
March 16, 2019
Reviewed By:  
LoCicero, Richard, MD,Sather, Rita, RN