Support and Coping with Cancer   /   Caregivers

IV Push Medications

Print PDF

Penn Home Infusion Team
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Your physician has decided to have your medication administered by intravenous push (IV push). Your medication is in a syringe that is prefilled by a pharmacist with your exact dose in it. This allows your medicine to be given over several minutes directly into your vein.

You will need the following supplies:

• alcohol swabs
• medication syringe filled with _______
• canula
• Heparin flush 100 units per ml
• Normal saline solution flush
• 10 ml syringe with cannula
• 1 vial adaptor

Administering the infusion

1. Wash your hands. (For more information, see the Handwashing section of this manual).
2. Check the label on your syringe. Make sure it has your name on it, the correct medication and that the medication has not expired.
3. Flush your venous access device with . (For more information, see the Flushing section of this manual).
4. Remove the cap from the end of the syringe and screw on the cannula to the end of syringe. Recap.
5. Clean the rubber stopper of the injection site of your venous access device with an alcohol wipe.
6. Remove the cannula cap and insert into the center of the injection site of your venous access.
7. Inject your medication over minutes by pushing in on the plunger of the syringe. Use a watch with a second hand to time.
8. When the medication is done, remove the syringe and put in the needle container.
9. Follow instructions for flushing your venous access device. (For more information, see the Flushing section in this manual).

Troubleshooting

1. If you have burning or stinging in your venous access device:
   1. Call your pharmacist or nurse clinical specialist to inform. You may be instructed to slow down your rate of administration.
   2. If burning or stinging continue with the slower rate call your clinical pharmacist. Your drug may be diluted with more fluid.
2. If you experience any dizziness:
   1. Slow down the rate of your infusion.
   2. Call your pharmacist or nurse clinical specialist to inform.

Storage and handling of medication Syringe

Your medication syringe will be delivered to you by Penn Home IT delivery personnel. It should be placed in your refrigerator for storage. The refrigerator should be approximately 40 - 46 F.

Remove the syringe from the refrigerator one hour before you are to infuse your drug. Place the syringe in a clean work area away from direct heat and light. Do not warm the syringe by using a hot water bath or microwave oven.