Westchester Medical Center’s 5,300 square-foot outpatient Infusion Therapy Center provides advanced and personalized care, offering infusion therapy treatments including cancer infusion therapy, growth hormone treatment, immunotherapies, and more. WMCHealth includes an academic medical center that is at the forefront of clinical trial research, aiming to discover the most effective IV infusion therapies to treat and cure the most complex conditions.
What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is when medication is given through a needle or catheter. It can be used to target medication to a specific area of the body. This allows some medicines to be more effective. Infusion therapy also enables medication to be administered to those who can’t take oral medications.
Infusion therapy is most commonly given through an IV. It can also be done through an epidural, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously (between the skin and muscle).
Types of Infusion Therapy
Infusion therapy can deliver many types of medications, including:
- Antivirals
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Blood factors
- Chemotherapy
- Growth hormones
- Heart medications
- Immunoglobulin replacement
- Immunotherapies, including cellar therapies such as CAR T-Cell Therapy
Not only does WMCHealth have an infusion therapy clinic, but Westchester Medical Center has a dedicated Cellular and Tissue Engineering Laboratory (CTEL). CTEL houses highly advanced equipment which can facilitate cellular therapies such as CAR T-Cell Therapy and investigate possible advancements in technology.
What Is Infusion Therapy Used to Treat?
Infusion therapy is highly versatile. While it is most commonly associated with cancer treatment chemotherapies, it is used to treat many other symptoms and conditions. Some examples include:
- Pain
- Lupus
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Dehydration
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Immune deficiencies
- Autoimmune disorders
- Congestive heart failure
What Are the Risks of Infusion Therapy?
Generally, the actual infusion process doesn’t have many side effects. If you need many infusions, you may have some scar tissue build up around your veins. You also may experience the following:
- Infection
- Air embolism
- Collapsed veins
The risks of infusion therapy usually stem from the type of medication you need. You may experience an allergic reaction to new drugs, or the medication may have various side effects. Your doctor will discuss all the possible risks. It’s important to inform your doctor of all medicines you take, as these may cause interactions.
How Does Infusion Therapy Work?
With IV infusion therapy, a needle with the IV is inserted and the medication is delivered. If you need multiple infusion therapies your doctor may recommend either a central line or a surgical port.
A central line can be inserted into a vein in your chest, arm, groin, or neck and can remain in place for an extended period. A port is surgically implanted to access a vein. The port is removed once you are done with your treatments.
What Can I Expect During Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is usually done in a clinical setting. A medical professional will insert an IV and monitor you carefully throughout the process. Some infusions take several hours, so you will be offered a reclining chair. You can bring reading materials, a blanket, or a pillow to make you feel more comfortable.
At WMCHealth’s Infusion Therapy Center, your comfort and safety are our priority. We understand how these treatments can cause anxiety and even boredom. We are here to make it as pleasant as possible so you can focus on healing.