If you have a medical condition, are undergoing chemotherapy or require antibiotics, infusion therapy could be a beneficial treatment option for you. Infusion therapy helps manage conditions that can be treated with intravenous (IV) liquids or medication.
The right dose of medication + care
Together with your care team, we will create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. We work with specialists such as gastroenterology, blood disorders, infectious disease, weight management, nephrology, cancer care, rheumatology and others to give you the care oncology you need.
While some infusion treatments must be done at a clinic, others can be safely administered at home after we provide instruction. Your doctor must refer you to infusion therapy and will decide with you whether it's best for you to have it done at a clinic or at your home.
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Conditions
Infusion therapy can make certain conditions more manageable by providing quicker and more controlled relief. We'll do everything we can to help you feel better and treat a variety of conditions with infusion therapy, including:
Allergies
Anemia
Cancer
COVID-19
Crohn's disease
Dehydration
Infections
Iron overload
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Treatments
If you've ever been in the hospital, you've likely had the most common type of infusion, called intravenous (IV). An IV infusion is when fluid or medication enters your bloodstream directly through a vein on your arm, wrist or hand.
There are 2 other ways that liquid medication can be delivered into your body, including:
Intramuscular infusion is when medication is injected into the upper arm, thigh, hip or buttock muscles.
Subcutaneous infusion is when medication is injected into fatty tissue, like your abdomen or upper arms, back or thighs.
Infusion therapy can help you with a variety of needs, including:
- Blood transfusions
- Phlebotomy
- Injections (antibiotics)
- IV medication
- Anti-infectives
- Enteral nutrition
- PICC line supplies
- Biologics (monoclonal antibodies)
- Inotropes
- Immune globulin
- IV hydration + electrolytes
- Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
What to expect
Depending on your unique situation, you may be recommended for infusion therapy at the clinic or in your home. Our number one goal is your safety and helping you get the infusion you need.
In clinic
When you arrive, we will take some time to review your treatment plan. Infusion times can vary from just a few minutes to several hours, so we encourage you to bring your favorite book, snacks or even your laptop to help pass the time. Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
We'll keep a close eye on you throughout your treatment, and for about 30 minutes to an hour after you finish. Although it's rare, some people may experience side effects like headaches, a scratchy throat or hives. If you experience any of these, our team is here to help and provide you with the necessary care.
Whether you receive infusion therapy for a few weeks or several months, we're committed to ensuring that you have the best possible experience. So, sit back, relax and let us take care of you.
At-home
Our home infusion services provide care beyond filling your prescriptions. We will guide you through your treatment plan and work with you and your doctors to achieve the best possible treatment outcome. Benefits of our home infusion pharmacy include:
- Helping you to take your medications regularly as prescribed by your doctor
- Improving your quality of life by helping you manage your medication and disease
- Reviewing and adjusting your medications based on possible interactions or side effects
- Keeping you and your doctor informed about any changes that might be needed with your medication
We are trained to help you with your medications and answer your questions. You can contact us anytime regarding your treatment. We will teach you about your medications and how they are administered. Our automated telephone system includes emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 781.306.6700 or 800.464.3908.
Understanding home infusion
Home infusion therapy involves administering medication through a needle or catheter in a vein in the home setting. It has been proven to be a safe and effective alternative to inpatient care for many medical conditions and therapy types.
Getting started on home infusion
Your doctor will send an order to the Tufts Medicine Home Infusion Services pharmacy. Then, our pharmacy team will verify your insurance coverage and estimated costs. We will review your therapy with you before starting your infusions and coordinate a home health nurse to assist you with them. We will coordinate a delivery date and time and send your medication and infusion supplies to your house.
Medication delivery and prescription status
Our team will contact you to discuss the best delivery method for your medication and supplies. Your medication and supplies will be delivered to you at no additional charge. If your medications require special handling or refrigeration, the drugs will be packaged and shipped accordingly. You can call us during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) at 781.306.6700 or 800.464.3908 to ask about the delivery or status of your order.
Our pharmacy team will call you if there is a delay in preparing or shipping your medication. You or a caregiver may need to sign for delivery packages unless you authorize us to leave your order at a specified location.
In the event of an emergency or disaster in the Tufts Medicine community, the pharmacy has a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan in place. Disasters may include fire in our facility or region, chemical spills in the community, hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, community evacuations or other similar situations. Our primary goal is to continue to service your care needs. When there is a threat of disaster, we will attempt to ensure you have enough medication to sustain you.
Management of your care
Our team works closely with doctors and nursing staff to ensure that your medications are prescribed appropriately, administered safely and work effectively. We use the most current treatment information for common conditions, diagnoses, diagnostic procedures and medical interventions to ensure safe and effective drug therapy.
We can help with:
- Financial assistance programs, insurance verification and prior authorization
- Proper medication storage and disposal
- Reordering your medication and supplies
- Training you to use your medications correctly
- Side effect monitoring
- Arranging in-home nursing care
Your support team
Our pharmacy team is here to serve and support you. We will provide the information you need to fill your medication and supplies. Please provide us with your current medications so we can best help you. We will also help you identify additional community resources as needed.
FAQs
How long does infusion therapy take?
Infusion times vary based on condition and treatment, it can range anywhere from 15 minutes to 9 hours. We will provide you with a time estimate before your therapy session.
How often do I receive infusion therapy?
The frequency and duration of therapy will depend on your condition and treatment plan, which may range from daily to every 6 weeks or 6 months.
What can I do during my session?
You can do almost any seated activity like reading a book or magazine, using your phone, laptop or tablet or watching TV. If your treatment is in our clinic, you may also bring snacks.
Can I bring someone to stay with me during treatment?
At the clinic, we do not allow visitors and you cannot bring your children to your appointment.
Will I be able to drive after my infusion?
Yes, you will be able to drive after your treatment.
Can I receive treatment if I have an infection?
Some medications are not safe to receive if you have an infection. You should talk with your doctor before your next infusion.
Can I receive infusion therapy?
Talk to your doctor to see if they can refer you for infusion therapy. We'll work with your insurance provider to check coverage before your treatment.
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