Infusion pharmacists prepare medications for intravenous or subcutaneous infusion, requiring special skills and a pharmacy degree. They review prescriptions, prepare infusion solutions, and provide instructions for safe use. They may also consult with medical professionals and provide infusions directly to patients.
An infusion pharmacist prepares medications for intravenous or subcutaneous infusion. This method of drug delivery can be faster than other options and may be necessary for some drugs because they are not well tolerated when given orally. Special skills are required to prepare safe and appropriate infusions for activities such as cancer therapy, intravenous antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or pain management. A pharmacy degree and license are required to work in this field.
When an infusion pharmacist arrives at work, prescriptions may be awaiting attention. The pharmacist can review these, check for medication conflicts, and prepare infusion solutions for patients. This process includes clearly marking bags of solutions with information about their contents and instructions for use. In the case of bags containing dangerous drugs, the pharmacy may require additional warning labels as a measure to protect patients.
Those preparing to prescribe an infusion may ask to find an infusion pharmacist if there are special concerns. This may include discussions of what to base the infusion solution on. For example, a standard saline solution is common, but the patient may need a different mixture, or the doctor may ask about adding vitamins and electrolytes along with the medication. Infusion pharmacists may also consult with nutritionists and other medical professionals while preparing medications to ensure they are appropriate.
Solutions used in the hospital environment can be provided to nurses or physicians for administration to patients. If a patient is taking a home infusion solution, the infusion pharmacist may need to provide some instructions. The patient should be given instructions, but may benefit from an update with reminders about the markings on the infusion solution and how to use it safely. The pharmacist can also verify that the patient has alcohol swabs, needles, and other necessary equipment for safety.
Sometimes the infusion pharmacist may personally bring a drug into a patient suite to address concerns about highly toxic or dangerous drugs. The pharmacist can ensure the right patient is being treated and can help set up the infusion. Other pharmacists may provide infusions directly at the pharmacy in patient suites for convenience and comfort. This can be helpful for patients preparing for a home infusion, as they can start under supervision to ensure they understand how to administer the drug before being left alone at home.
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