Tailoring the way patients receive treatment

Intravenous infusion, or “IV”, means that a medicine is given directly into a vein by drip as an infusion or port system (a device placed under the skin to aid the administration of treatments) so that it can enter the bloodstream directly.1

People receiving an IV infusion must go to a specialist clinic or hospital.1 It can take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how well the medicine is tolerated and whether multiple medicines are needed (e.g. a combination treatment regimen).2,3

To avoid repeated punctures and irritation of the vein, a port system can be inserted to aid administration.1

Medicine injected under the skin is called “subcutaneous” administration.2 The active ingredients enter the subcutaneous fatty tissue and are absorbed into the bloodstream.4 Medicine that would otherwise be broken down in the digestive system can be given (administered) in this way.5

A subcutaneous injection is usually administered by a nurse or physician in a practice, clinic or therapy centre. It is usually quick and can be more easily integrated into everyday life.2

This is when medication is taken by mouth, typically in capsule or tablet form.6 The ingredients are absorbed in the digestive system and enter the bloodstream from there.7

Taking a medicine orally is usually done at home and is the easiest way, unless a person has difficulties swallowing or is experiencing nausea.5 It is important that the medicine is taken regularly and at the exact dosage prescribed. Only then can the therapy take full effect.6

Depending on how the medicine is given, it takes different routes through the body. For example, some very sensitive substances (active ingredients) can be broken down during digestion and lose their effect.5 Therefore, these medicines cannot be given as a capsule or tablet to swallow and need to be injected under the skin or into a vein.