Infusion Therapy

What Is Infusion Therapy?

Infusion therapy has become a cornerstone treatment in various medical fields, providing patients with critical medications and nutrients directly through their bloodstream. In Singapore, infusion therapy is widely used for a range of conditions, from neurological diseases to chronic pain management. This treatment is beneficial when oral medication is ineffective or when a faster delivery of drugs is required.

Infusion therapy is a medical treatment in which medication, nutrients, or fluids are administered directly into a patient’s bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This method allows the body to absorb the treatment quickly and efficiently. Infusion therapy is commonly used for conditions where oral medication is not effective or when patients cannot take medication by mouth.

Man sitting in chair receiving an infusion while using phone — Infusion therapy is minimally invasive and can be completed during a clinic visit.

Infusion therapy is frequently used to manage neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, infections, chronic pain, and dehydration. In many cases, it provides patients with relief when other treatment options have failed.

What Is The Purpose of Infusion Therapy?

The primary purpose of infusion therapy is to deliver medications or nutrients in a manner that ensures fast and effective absorption. This method is especially beneficial for patients who:

Cannot take oral medications due to gastrointestinal issues.
Require immediate symptom relief from chronic conditions like migraines [link to MIgraine], chronic headaches [link to Other Headaches], multiple sclerosis, or severe pain.
Need precise dosage control over medications that must be delivered at specific rates.

Infusion therapy ensures that medications are delivered into the bloodstream at a consistent, controlled rate, which can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment.

What are the types of Infusion Therapy?

There are various types of infusion therapies depending on the condition being treated:

Intravenous (IV) Therapy: This is the most common form of infusion therapy, where fluids, medications, or nutrients are directly administered into the vein.
Subcutaneous Infusion: Medications are delivered under the skin, commonly used for pain relief or for drugs that require a slower absorption rate.
Intramuscular Infusion: Medication is injected directly into the muscle, allowing for slow and steady absorption.
Epidural Infusion: Often used in pain management, especially during labour or post-surgery, this involves delivering medications near the spinal cord.

Photo of an infusion bag and needle — The various types of infusions allow for flexibility depending on the treatment's purpose and the patient’s condition.

What are the benefits or risks of Infusion Therapy?

Benefits:

Rapid Relief: Infusion therapy allows for quicker delivery of medications, leading to faster symptom relief compared to oral medications.
Precise Dosing: The administration can be closely monitored to ensure the right dosage is delivered at the right time.
Direct Absorption: Since the medication is introduced directly into the bloodstream, the body absorbs it more effectively than through the digestive system.
Long-lasting Results: Certain infusion therapies, such as those for chronic pain or neurological conditions, offer prolonged relief, reducing the frequency of treatments.

Risks:

Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the injection site. Proper hygiene and skilled administration reduce this risk.
Allergic Reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to the medications being administered.
Discomfort: Some individuals may experience mild pain or discomfort at the infusion site, though this is usually temporary.

How does Infusion Therapy Work? What do I need to prepare?

Infusion therapy works by bypassing the digestive system, allowing for the direct delivery of medications, fluids, or nutrients into the bloodstream. This ensures that the body absorbs the treatment quickly, which is essential for conditions requiring immediate intervention.

Preparation for infusion therapy typically involves:

Consultation: Your doctor will assess your medical condition, current medications, and any allergies to determine if infusion therapy is suitable.
Hydration: It’s often recommended to drink plenty of water before your infusion to help with the process.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing, particularly on the arms, to make the process easier.

What should I expect during and after Infusion Therapy?

During your treatment, a nurse or healthcare professional will insert an IV line into your arm or hand. The medication or fluid will then be administered over a period of time, which can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the type of therapy.

Elderly man sitting on couch at home, receiving an infusion on his right arm — Most infusion sessions are relatively painless, with many patients experiencing only mild discomfort at the insertion site.

After the session, some people may feel fatigued or slightly dizzy, but these effects are usually temporary. You will be advised to rest for a short period after the infusion and to avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after.If you are experiencing chronic pain or other conditions that may benefit from infusion therapy, schedule a consultation with Dr Charles Siow today to explore your treatment options.