Read the latest from the Infusion Nursing Notes Blog
Infusion Nursing Notes by Nufactor provides education, resources and support to promote successful patient therapy within the infusion nursing community.
This Infusion Nursing Notes blog is published by Nufactor. Since 1999, Nufactor continues to provide specialty products and care for infusion patients in the chronic illnesses community, while addressing the problems of availability, affordability and safety in patient care. Our Infusion Nursing Notes blog brings you timely topics from SCIG / IVIG infusion side effects as well as specialty injectable and infusible therapies for patients with chronic conditions. We provide informational articles on diseases dependent upon these treatments, guides and other resources to managing the safety and health of patients. Our blog is a dedicated resource to connecting infusion nurses with the information and support they need to better care for the patients they serve.
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Recent Posts
- By Candy Finley, RN, IgCN, Clinical Nurse Educator
- Infusion Basics
By Candy Finley, RN, IgCN. Infliximab is an intravenously administered genetically engineered monoclonal antibody that neutralizes inflammation caused by a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) by binding to the soluble and transmembrane forms of TNFα with its receptors. Elevated concentrations of TNFα have been found in the tissues and fluids of patients with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved diagnoses. Infliximab controls the activity of several inflammatory chemicals. It is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Once established on treatment, symptoms should start to improve over a period of two to twelve weeks.
- By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN, Clinical Nurse Educator
- Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials
By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN. Home health care continues to be the fastest growing segment of the health care industry. Many patients prefer the convenience and comfort of receiving care in the home. While the infusion of immune globulin (IG) requires specialty knowledge and precaution, the home infusion environment itself requires thoughtful consideration and accommodation.
- By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN, Clinical Nurse Educator
- Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials
By Jean McCaslin, RN, IgCN. In our last blog, the types of central catheters typically used for the infusion of IVIG were discussed. Also reviewed, was the assessment of these ports as it relates to IVIG therapy. In this blog, the care of central lines (herein called VADs; Vascular Access Devices) and potential complications will be covered. This discussion will be limited to the intermittent use of VADs for IVIG therapy being given between 1-5 days monthly. For more detailed information regarding continuous VAD use, or the administration of other medications, please refer to the INS standards published on their website.
- By Candy Finley, RN, IgCN, Clinical Nurse Educator
- Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials
By Candy Finley, RN, IgCN and Joe DiStefano, RPh. NuFACTOR Specialty Pharmacy programs pumps specifically to the patient orders. Always verify the patient's order with the pump program. Pumps are sent out in Variable Mode, which means the pump will titrate up on its own as it has been programmed. Remember to attach the vented spike adaptor to the spike of Curlin tubing. Per our policy, after spiking three vials, the nurse must use a new spike adaptor and Curlin tubing as they become dull and it is nearly impossible to separate them.
- By Amy Ehlers, BS, PharmD, CSP, IgCP, Senior Vice President, Clinical Services
- IVIG Essentials
By Amy Ehlers, BS, PharmD, BCPS. Historically, the pharmacist's role in healthcare has been limited to filling and dispensing drugs based on a prescription, and ensuring that these medications were accurately delivered to patients. Today, this is no longer true. As the healthcare system has grown and evolved, so has the role and responsibility of the pharmacist. It is now expected that "pharmacists establish relationships with patients to ensure the appropriateness of medication therapy, patients' understanding of their therapy, and to monitor the effects of that therapy."
- By Michelle Greer, RN, IgCN, Executive Vice President
- Infusion Basics, IVIG Essentials
By Michelle Greer, RN, IgCN. In our last blog, we talked about some of the more common side effects and when to communicate with the MD and the pharmacist. For Part 2, let’s talk about some additional side effects as well as signs and symptoms of more severe adverse events associated with immune globulin therapy.
Meet the Nufactor Infusion Nursing Notes Team
Our team of experts are here to answer your questions and provide helpful information and advice regarding the use and administration of IG products.
