Infusion therapy services we provide
Infusion therapy is the IV delivery of medication, fluids or nutrients directly into the bloodstream for faster or more effective treatment. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or undergoing short-term treatment, our centers provide expert IV infusion therapy designed around your needs.
We offer a wide range of infusion therapies, including:
- Chemotherapy: Comprehensive care for cancer patients, with personalized treatment plans and compassionate support
- Hematology: Multiple options for treating hematological (blood and blood-forming organs) disorders, including anemia, hemochromatosis and polycythemia vera
- Biologic therapies: Advanced treatments for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Immunotherapies: Options for those who are eligible for targeted therapies
- Antibiotics: IV antibiotics for severe infections
- Immune globulin therapy: Specialized treatments for immune deficiencies and autoimmune disorders (a condition that makes your immune system attack healthy cells by mistake)
- Endocrinology: Treatments for osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Nephrology: Treatment options for disease processes relating to chronic kidney disease
- Neurology: Treatments for a variety of neurological (nervous system) disorders, all closely monitored by your physician
- Rheumatology: Treatments for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis
- Infectious disease: Treatment for a wide range of diseases that require IV therapy
- Gastroenterology: IV therapy for chronic conditions such as ulcerative and Crohn’s colitis
Infusion therapy FAQ
Infusion therapy is used to treat:
- Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Crohn’s disease
- Cancer
- Chronic illnesses like kidney disease, osteoporosis and ulcerative colitis
- Dehydration and nutritional deficiencies
- Infections requiring IV antibiotics
- Neurological conditions such as migraines and multiple sclerosis
You’ll be seated in a comfortable chair, monitored by trained staff and receive your treatment in a quiet, supportive environment designed for healing.
Preparation tips:
- Bring entertainment (books, headphones, etc.).
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Some infusions may require fasting — your provider will inform you.
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
Infusion times vary depending on the treatment. Some infusions take 30–60 minutes, while others may take several hours. Your care team will provide details before your appointment.
Most patients report minimal discomfort. The initial needle insertion may cause a brief pinch, but many centers use numbing sprays to reduce pain. If pain occurs during the infusion, patients should notify staff immediately.
Side effects depend on the medication. Our team will monitor you closely for side effects during treatment.
Infusion therapy side effects can include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mild discomfort at the infusion point
- Nausea
In most cases, yes, you can drive after infusion therapy. Your care team will advise you based on your specific treatment.
Chemotherapy and infusion therapy are not the same, but they are closely related.
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy has many delivery methods, including infusion therapy, oral pills, injections and direct delivery.
Infusion therapy is used for a wide range of treatments — not just cancer. It’s a method that delivers medication directly into the bloodstream through:
- A vein (IV)
- Under the skin (subcutaneous)
- Into muscles (intramuscular)
- Other targeted areas
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Optum Medical Care, P.C., Optum Medical Care of New Jersey, P.C. and Optum Urgent Care, PLLC (collectively “Optum Medical Care”) are physician-led organizations (the “Practice”). The Practice retains full authority over all medical decision-making and patient care. Optum provides administrative and clinical support services to the Practice. Optum does not control or direct the clinical judgment, methods, or standards of physicians or other licensed professionals. Where indicated, “Part of Optum” means the Practice is managed or owned, where permitted by law, by Optum and participates in Optum’s efforts to support physician practices in helping patients live healthier lives.
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