Treatment
Pain-relief infusions: decisions, treatment and safety
A pain-relief infusion delivers medicine through a small tube in a vein. Whether this is suitable for you depends on the medicine, your condition and previous treatment. The term “pain-relief infusion” alone does not explain the likely benefit or the risks.
What needs to be clear before deciding
The consultation should explain the specific medicine, why an infusion is being considered and how its benefit will be assessed. Alternatives, including other medicines and treatments without medication, should also be discussed. An infusion does not replace assessment of the cause of your pain. Benefit cannot be guaranteed. Even short-term relief does not necessarily mean the underlying condition has resolved.
Please arrange a routine consultation with us first. Together, we then decide whether a pain-relief infusion is appropriate for your situation and ongoing treatment plan.
What the treatment involves
After assessment and a discussion of the treatment, a cannula is inserted into a vein. During the infusion, staff monitor how you feel and the circulation measurements required for that medicine. The checks and infusion time depend on the medicine and your circumstances. After a pain-relief infusion, you remain at the practice for observation for at least 30 minutes, or longer if needed. Agree beforehand how you will get home safely.
Which risks need to be discussed
Bruising or inflammation can occur at the cannula site. Depending on the medicine, possible problems include nausea, dizziness, blood pressure changes or allergic reactions. Some medicines have additional risks, which can be serious. Tell staff immediately about new symptoms during treatment. For breathing difficulties, impaired consciousness or collapse after leaving the practice, call 112. Follow the advice for your medicine about other warning signs.
What to bring and check beforehand
Bring your medication list, including anything you take occasionally. Tell the clinician about allergies, previous reactions to medicines, significant medical conditions and possible pregnancy. Ask beforehand about eating, drinking, taking your usual medicines and driving. Do not change regular medicines on your own. The treatment involved, its expected cost and possible insurance cover should also be clarified before it starts.
Other infusion options
Alongside pain-relief infusions, we offer vitamin infusions and infusions described as “energy” or “recovery” infusions. We first assess whether such treatment is appropriate for you. We discuss the specific ingredients, possible alternatives, risks and costs. Without a demonstrated deficiency, there is insufficient evidence of a general benefit for energy, recovery or performance.
