Home infusion involves receiving medication through a needle or catheter at home rather than in a hospital or clinic setting. If you are planning to receive a home infusion, here are some things you can do to prepare:
Understand the purpose of the infusion and how it will be administered. Make sure you know what the medication is for, how it will be given, and how often you will need to receive it.
Arrange for your medications and supplies to be delivered by the specialty pharmacy. Check to see if you need to have an adverse reaction kit on hand in case of an allergic reaction. If so, is the specialty pharmacy sending this to you, or do you need to pick it up at a retail pharmacy location?
Set up a comfortable space for your infusion. This should be a clean, well-lit area with a comfortable chair or bed. You may also want to have a phone or tablet nearby for entertainment during the infusion. An extra blanket, a charging cord, and a bottle of water are handy to have nearby.
Follow instructions on if/when to remove your medication from the refrigerator prior to the infusion.
Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. This may include dietary restrictions or other precautions to take before and after the infusion. If you do not have a medical fluid restriction, make sure to hydrate well for a couple days before your infusion. You will also want to hydrate well after your infusion.
Make sure you have a support system in place. It can be helpful to have someone available to assist you during the infusion, or to provide emotional support during the process.