UAB PHARMACY SERVICES
Answers to Common Questions
IF I AM HOSPITALIZED, SHOULD I TAKE MY MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLIES TO THE HOSPITAL? No. The hospital will supply the medication and supplies needed during your admission.
WHERE SHOULD I KEEP MY MEDICATION IF IT NEEDS TO BE STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE? Storage instructions are found on the pharmacy label of your medication. Medications should be stored as instructed at controlled room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight, areas of excessive moisture( i. e. the bathroom), and areas of excessive heat / cold( i. e. over or around heating or air conditioning vents). It is also important to store medications out of reach of children and pets.
HOW LONG SHOULD MY MEDICATION BE OUT OF THE REFRIGERATOR BEFORE I USE IT? About 2-3 hours is usually enough time for it to warm to room temperature. Never place your medication in the microwave or use any heating source to warm it up.
I FORGOT TO TAKE MY MEDICINE OUT OF THE REFRIGERATOR. CAN I WARM IT UP IN THE MICROWAVE? NO. Do not warm medication in the microwave or by using any heat source. You can hold the medication bag / syringe in your hands, allowing body heat to slowly warm the solution, or wait to administer your dose until the medication reaches room temperature naturally. Please notify your pharmacy if you adjust your medication infusion schedule.
IF MY MEDICATION LABEL SHOWS TODAY AS THE EXPIRATION DATE, CAN I STILL USE IT? The medication can still be used on the expiration date. Do not use the medication if the infusion is to be completed the following day. Do not use the medication after the indicated“ Beyond Use Date” printed on the pharmacy label.
HOW MUCH SALINE AND HEPARIN SHOULD I FLUSH WITH? The amount of saline and heparin used to flush varies based on the type of catheter you have. Flushing orders specific to your catheter are located on the saline and heparin labels and on the prescription. Please contact your infusion pharmacist or home health nurse if further instructions are needed.
HOW OFTEN DO I ADMINISTER THIS MEDICATION? The frequency of medication administration is listed on the label of the medication. It is also listed on the prescription. Please contact your pharmacist if further direction is needed or if you have been instructed to administer the medication differently.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF MY MEDICATION? The possible side effects vary for each medication. The side effects specific to your medication will be listed on the drug information sheet you are provided with your medication delivery. Specify if you would like your drug monograph in English or Spanish. Contact your pharmacist for further explanation or to report any side effects.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO STOP TAKING MY MEDICATION? The total length of your therapy is located on your prescription, and you will be given detailed instructions on the length of your treatment. Your nurse and / or your doctor will let you know when your therapy is complete.
8 UAB Home Infusion Therapy