Infusion Therapy: What It Is & What It Treats
While many lifesaving medications can be swallowed, others require a more direct application rather than simply being absorbed into the blood through digestion. For quick, direct administration into the bloodstream, infusion therapy provides an effective treatment solution for many patients — not just those battling cancer. Learn more about infusion therapy, what it can be used to treat, and how local providers are bringing this important service to Rushville.
What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is a medical procedure during which patients receive medication through a needle or catheter, usually intravenously, but sometimes epidurally (into the spinal cord), intramuscularly (into the muscle), or subcutaneously (between the skin and muscle). Infusion therapy is often used as an alternative when no comparable oral medication exists or when a patient is unable to swallow oral medication.
What Is Infusion Therapy Used For?
Though often associated with cancer treatment, infusion therapy can be recommended to deliver medication for a variety of diseases, including:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Congestive heart failure
- Dehydration
- Immune deficiencies
- Infections that are unresponsive to oral antibiotics
- Pain
Additionally, infusion therapy can be used to deliver medications for conditions such as:
- Crohn’s disease
- Hemophilia
- Hypercoagulation
- Hypergammaglobulinemia
- Infections like cellulitis, pneumonia, and sepsis
- Lupus
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Ulcerative colitis
Though commonly used to deliver chemotherapy, infusion therapy can also be used to deliver nutrition and medications such as:
- Antibiotics
- Antiemetics
- Antifungals
- Antivirals
- Biologics
- Blood factors
- Corticosteroids
- Growth hormones
- Immunoglobulin replacement
- Immunotherapy
- Inotropic heart medications
Infusion Therapy at Culbertson
Accessing crucial, specialized care doesn’t require a long, painstaking trip for patients in need. The Infusion Center at Culbertson Memorial Hospital provides much-needed care in a location close to home, ensuring a relatively quick, comfortable trip and a friendly, familiar environment. Additionally, the Infusion Center includes four semi-private and two private infusion bays, offering enhanced privacy for patients and redirecting foot traffic away from immunocompromised patients. Services offered in Rushville include:
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy
- Hydration infusions
- Injections
- Iron replacement infusions
- Outpatient antibiotics
- Port flushes
- Port infusions
- Therapeutic phlebotomy
- Transfusion therapy
Stay close to home for your infusion therapy — your expert, compassionate, hometown providers are here for you. Learn more about the Infusion Center at Culbertson Memorial Hospital and call (217) 322-4321 for more information.