A Patient Guide to IVIG Infusion Therapy
Comfort
and Privacy
The Infusion Center is an open unit. The staff will make every effort
to assure your comfort and privacy during your infusion. An exam room
is available for private conversations. Cell phones are permitted; however,
we do request that calls remain brief and that your phone ringer is set
on low volume or no ring mode.
Driving
The pre-medications may cause drowsiness. For your safety, you
are encouraged to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your infusions
treatments.
If you must drive, please notify your infusion nurse before your appointment
so that your treatment plan can be adjusted appropriately.
Pre-Medications
Your physician has ordered specific "pre-medications" that
you are to take prior to the start of your infusion. These medications
are an important component in the success of your infusion therapy and
will assist in reducing potential side effects from the IVIG.
The typical pre-medication regimen includes:
Tylenol Extra Strength 1000 mg
(2 x 500mg tablets) and
Bendadryl 50 mg (2 x 25mg tablets).
These medications should be taken one hour before you arrive for your
infusion.
Bring your Tylenol and Benadryl (or any other pre-medications that you
were directed to take) with you to the Infusion Center. Additional doses
of these medications may be indicated during your IVIG treatment.
Medications
On
your first visit to the Infusion Center you should bring a list of all
medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, and over the counter
products, that you are currently taking. This list should include:
- Dosages of medications
- Date medication was started
- Prescribing physician
Any routine medication normally taken during the day should be brought
with you on every visit. Inform your infusion nurse before taking
any of these medications.
Do not skip or delay any of your scheduled medications during your infusion
without first discussing this with your infusion nurse.
Hydration
Despite the amount of fluid you will receive during your infusion your
body may actually become dehydrated from the medication. Dehydration
can lead to problems with constipation and could affect your kidney function.
It is important that you take an active role in assuring that your body
is well hydrated.
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Anatomy of a Peripheral Nerve |
You may be asked to increase your fluid intake during your treatments. If
you have any pre-existing kidney or heart problems you should discuss
hydration issues with your physician and infusion nurse.
Meals
Your infusion will take approximately four to six hours, depending on
your individual dose. You are encouraged to eat breakfast before
your arrival. You should bring drinks and a sack lunch or snacks
to eat during your infusion.
There is a coffee shop located in the medical plaza if you wish to purchase
any meals. Menus are available in the InfusionCenter, meals can
be ordered by phone. Delivery to the Infusion Center is free.
Infusion Center Message
The goal of our staff is to provide safe and effective IVIG infusions. Our
clinical team works in partnership with you and your physician to create
an individualized plan of care specifically developed to maximize your
infusion therapy. Your infusion nurse, pharmacy technician, and
medical assistant have been specially trained in the benefits and
delivery of IVIG treatments for autoimmune diseases. Educational
material related to the use of IVIG for the treatment of your diagnosis
is available upon request.
