Many cancer medications need to be administered intravenously, or in other words, via an IV. Often, this means the patient needs to visit a hospital or cancer treatment center for their periodic infusions. But there are services that offer in-home IV infusions. These services will send a nurse to administer your IV infusion in the comfort of your home. So, should you opt for in-home IV treatment as a cancer patient? Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pro: You get to avoid the stress of going to the hospital.

Going to the hospital again and again can be stressful, especially when you're seriously ill with cancer and not feeling well. Just the prep work of getting dressed, finding someone to give you a ride, and navigating to the hospital can feel like a lot to endure, and that's before you even get the treatment. In-home IV infusions allow you to avoid this stress. You can rest on your couch, and the practitioner will come to you. Keeping stress levels low is good for your health, especially when battling cancer.

Con: You'll be further from medical help if you have a negative reaction.

If you react negatively to the IV medication and need medical assistance, you won't have a whole medical staff nearby as you would at a hospital. These reactions are rare, but they do occur from time to time. If your doctor has reason to believe you're at a higher risk for a reaction to your meds, they may recommend against in-home treatment.

Pro: You won't be exposed to others' germs.

Hospitals are often laden with germs. When you're being treated for cancer, your immune system is suppressed, so you are more likely to get sick when exposed to these germs. If you have your IV treatments at home, you will not be exposed to the sick people in the hospital, so you're less likely to become ill with a cold or the flu.

Con: You may pay more for the service.

Not all insurance companies cover in-home IV treatment. You may have to pay some of the costs out of pocket if you opt for this type of care.

Consider these pros and cons, and also have a chat with your doctor about seeking in-home IV treatment. If they think you're a good candidate, they can tell you what services are available in your area and help you select one that meets your needs.

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