What is Home Infusion Therapy? A Complete Guide to Home Infusion and Injectable Treatments

Written by Derrek Blake, RN, BSN, IgCN, Sr. Director, Specialty Therapeutic Programs

Home infusion therapy allows patients to get Intravenous (IV) therapy or injectable medications at home. Instead of visiting a hospital or infusion center, a specialty pharmacy sends your medication, supplies, and nursing care to your home.

This article will guide you on how to arrange home infusion or injectable therapy, including discussions with your provider, preparing your home, and knowing what to expect during treatment.

Quick Takeaways

  • Both infusion and injectable therapies can be safely administered at home
  • A specialty pharmacy coordinates medication delivery, supplies, and nursing visits
  • Home therapy offers comfort, convenience, and personalized one-on-one care
  • You don’t need special equipment, just a clean, comfortable space
  • Ongoing communication with your care team helps ensure safe and effective treatment
nurse-and-patient-home-infusion

Who is a Good Candidate for Home Infusion or Injectable Therapy?

Home infusion or injectable therapy can be a good option for patients who meet certain requirements. Your provider will look at your health, medications, and home environment to make sure getting treatment at home is safe and right for you. If home therapy isn’t suitable, your provider will discuss alternative treatment options and help you find the best care setting for your needs.

Your healthcare provider might ask about your living situation and daily routines to make sure your treatment is safe and comfortable. If you qualify, your provider will work with a specialty pharmacy to start your home therapy.

Eligibility Checklist for Home Infusion Treatment

  • Stability: Have you been stable on your current infusion or injectable medication?
  • Home Environment: Is your living space clean, quiet, and suitable for treatment?
  • Service Coverage: Do you live in an area served by home infusion providers?
  • Emergency Access: Do you have reliable transportation if needed? Make sure you know what to do and who to call in case of an emergency during home therapy. Your care team will give you instructions on what steps to take if you feel unwell or experience severe side effects. If you have a life-threatening reaction, call 911 right away.
  • Reaction History: Have you experienced severe allergic reactions during past treatments?
  • Physical Limitations: Do you have difficulty leaving your home for care?
home-infusion-nurse-and-patient

Home Infusion Therapy Benefits

  • No need to travel—patients can skip the hassle of regular visits to infusion centers
  • The comfort and privacy of receiving treatment at home
  • More flexibility, allowing therapy to fit easily into everyday life
  • Less exposure to busy clinical settings
  • Personalized, one-on-one care from skilled clinicians in a tailored environment

Home therapy can be a convenient, patient-focused option that encourages adherence while enhancing overall satisfaction with care.

doctor and patient

How Home Infusion and Injectable Therapy Work

Once your provider gives the green light for therapy at home, a specialty pharmacy will take care of the specifics of your treatment.

Soleo Health will create a personalized care plan for you, tailored to your medication, schedule, and lifestyle. This plan includes medication delivery, nursing visits, and continuous support.

Your care team will:

  • Work directly with your provider
  • Handle medication refills and supplies
  • Analyze lab results and track your progress
  • Look for drug interactions and safety issues

The aim is to make home infusion or injectable therapy easy and stress-free, allowing you to concentrate on your health.

How to Prepare for Home Infusion or Injectable Therapy

You don’t need a special medical room. Just set up a clean, quiet spot with comfortable seating and good lighting for your therapy at home.

Some medications need to be kept cold, so it helps to have some space in your refrigerator.

Your nurse can give you tips on how to set up your space for treatment.

home-infusion

Ideal Setup for Your Home Infusion Therapy

  • A comfortable reclining chair or couch
  • Good lighting for your nurse
  • Access to a bathroom
  • A flat surface for supplies (like a side table)
  • Room temperature between 68–72°F
  • Minimal distractions or noise

Before your first visit, your specialty pharmacy will send all your medications and supplies to your home. Your nurse will bring anything else you might need.

What to Expect During Your First Home Infusion Visit

During your initial home therapy session, your nurse will guide you through the procedure, provide your medication, and monitor you throughout the treatment.

Most infusion treatments last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of medication. Injectable therapies are generally much faster and may only require a few minutes. Often, injectable therapies can be administered without a nurse visiting your home.

If you are instructed to self-inject, your nurse will instruct you on how to safely administer the medication, including managing all the supplies, proper injection techniques, and needle disposal. You will practice together until you feel at ease. Should you have any questions or concerns after starting, your nurse and pharmacy team are available by phone or in person for support, ensuring you never have to handle injections by yourself.

Some patients may experience mild side effects such as:

  • Headache
  • Flushing or warmth
  • Fatigue

These side effects typically resolve quickly. Your nurse is trained to manage reactions and will have emergency medications available if necessary.

If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe chest pain, or if you feel extremely unwell, call 911 right away.

Additionally, inform your nurse or care team about any reactions so they can help you and ensure you receive the necessary assistance.

How to Get Ready for Your Appointment

• Drink water before your visit
• Keep your phone close
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing

During your treatment, you can unwind, read, watch TV, or use your phone or computer.

Home Infusion Therapy Treatment Schedule

Once your therapy begins, your appointments will follow a consistent schedule that aligns with your treatment plan.
Your nurse will arrive prepared, familiar with your medical history and therapy specifics, to ensure each visit runs smoothly.
This personalized, one-on-one care helps many patients feel more at ease and supported during their treatment.

How to Begin Home Infusion or Injectable Therapy

If you wish to receive therapy at home, start by discussing it with your provider.

Your provider will:

  • Review your medication and health condition
  • Decide if home therapy is suitable
  • Work with a specialty pharmacy

Not all medications can be administered at home, so your provider will assist you in selecting the best option for your care.
Your provider may also request lab tests or imaging, such as blood tests or MRIs, to monitor your progress and ensure your safety.

All home infusion and injectable therapies are given by registered nurses who are trained in:

  • Infusion and injection methods
  • Monitoring for side effects
  • Handling emergency situations

Follow-Up and Ongoing Support

After starting therapy, regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

Your care team will:

  • Check on your progress
  • Handle refills and supplies
  • Modify your treatment if necessary

If you experience new symptoms or side effects, contact your care team immediately instead of waiting for your next appointment.

Staying on schedule is vital. Missing doses can reduce the effectiveness of your therapy, so make an effort to keep your appointments and inform your care team of any changes as soon as possible. If you miss a dose or need to postpone treatment, reach out to your care team right away. They will advise you on the next steps, including whether to take the missed dose as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Infusion Therapy

Ready to Explore Home Infusion or Injectable Therapy?

Deciding where to get your therapy is a personal choice. Home infusion or injectable therapy gives you flexibility, comfort, and care that’s tailored to your needs.

With the right support team, getting treatment at home can be safe, effective, and easy to manage.

Contact Soleo Health today to find out if home infusion or injectable therapy is right for you.

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