Your First Infusion: What to Bring and What to Ask
A first infusion is mostly paperwork and waiting, then a few quiet hours in a recliner. Knowing the steps makes it a lot less stressful.
Before the Visit
- Your doctor sends the order, recent labs and notes to the clinic.
- The clinic checks your insurance and gets prior authorization. This often takes one to two weeks.
- The clinic calls you to book. Ask how long the first visit will take and whether you can bring someone.
What to Bring
- Photo ID and your insurance cards.
- A list of your medicines and allergies.
- Water and a snack, unless the clinic tells you otherwise.
- Layers: infusion rooms are often cool, and IV fluid can make you feel cold.
- A phone charger, headphones, a book or a laptop.
During the Infusion
A nurse checks your vitals, places a small IV in your arm or uses your port, and may give pre-medications such as acetaminophen or an antihistamine. The drug runs through a pump at a set speed. The nurse checks on you throughout and stops or slows the drip if you react.
Questions to Ask
- What side effects should I watch for tonight and this week?
- Who do I call after hours if something feels wrong?
- When is my next dose, and can I book the same time each visit?
- What will I owe for this visit, and when will I get a bill?