What is infusion therapy?
Infusion therapy is the IV delivery of medication, fluids or nutrients directly into the bloodstream for faster or more effective treatment. It’s typically used when:
- Oral medications are ineffective or not an option.
- Rapid drug delivery is needed.
- The medication would be broken down in the digestive system.
Types of infusions
Optum infusion centers offer many types of infusion therapy, including:
- Biologic therapies
- Chemotherapy
- Hydration therapy
- Immune globulin therapy
- Immunotherapies
- Iron infusions
- IV antibiotics
- Steroid infusions
- Therapeutic phlebotomy
Infusion therapy FAQ
Infusion therapy is used to treat:
- Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Crohn’s disease
- Cancer
- Chronic illnesses like kidney disease, osteoporosis and ulcerative colitis
- Dehydration and nutritional deficiencies
- Infections requiring IV antibiotics
- Neurological conditions such as migraines and multiple sclerosis
You’ll be seated in a comfortable chair, monitored by trained staff and receive your treatment in a quiet, supportive environment designed for healing.
Preparation tips:
- Bring entertainment (books, headphones, etc.).
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Some infusions may require fasting — your provider will inform you.
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
Infusion times vary depending on the treatment. Some infusions take 30–60 minutes, while others may take several hours. Your care team will provide details before your appointment.
Most patients report minimal discomfort. The initial needle insertion may cause a brief pinch, but many centers use numbing sprays to reduce pain. If pain occurs during the infusion, patients should notify staff immediately.
Side effects depend on the medication. Our team will monitor you closely for side effects during treatment.
Infusion therapy side effects can include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mild discomfort at the infusion point
- Nausea
In most cases, yes, you can drive after infusion therapy. Your care team will advise you based on your specific treatment.
Chemotherapy and infusion therapy are not the same, but they are closely related.
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy has many delivery methods, including infusion therapy, oral pills, injections and direct delivery.
Infusion therapy is used for a wide range of treatments — not just cancer. It’s a method that delivers medication directly into the bloodstream through:
- A vein (IV)
- Under the skin (subcutaneous)
- Into muscles (intramuscular)
- Other targeted areas
Helpful resources
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Chronic pain management
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*Services vary by location. Check with your Optum doctor’s office to learn what’s available in your area.
Optum arranges for or provides medical and other clinical services in accordance with laws in each state it operates. Physicians or providers referenced on this website are to those who are either part of independent practices or to those medical practices managed by or owned, where permitted, by Optum. In all circumstances, physicians and other licensed professionals have complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care. Optum does not determine or set the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by any of the practices or their physicians or other licensed professionals.