What to Expect During Your First Infusion

Feeling nervous before your first infusion appointment is completely normal. You might be wondering what the process will be like, whether it will hurt, or how long you'll be there. The good news is that knowing what to expect can help ease much of that anxiety. Thousands of patients receive infusion therapy every day, and most find the experience far less stressful than they anticipated. This guide walks you through every step of your first infusion appointment, so you can feel prepared and confident when the day arrives.

Key Highlights

• Your first infusion appointment typically takes 2-4 hours, including check-in, IV placement, the infusion itself, and post-infusion monitoring.
• You can choose where to receive your infusion—at a hospital, a specialized infusion clinic, or even in your own home, depending on your medication and preferences.
• Infusion centers are designed to be comfortable and calming, with trained nurses who specialize in infusion therapy and will monitor you throughout your treatment.

Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare

Preparation starts before you even arrive at your appointment. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines that apply to most patients receiving their first infusion.

Eat and Drink Normally: Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, eat a regular meal before your infusion. Staying hydrated and having food in your system can help you feel more comfortable and may make it easier for the nurse to find a vein for your IV. Bring a water bottle to sip during your infusion as well.

Take Your Regular Medications: Continue taking your usual medications unless your doctor specifically tells you to skip them. If you're unsure, call your healthcare provider's office before your appointment.

Dress Comfortably: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up past your elbow. Infusion centers can sometimes be cool, so consider bringing a light sweater or blanket. Many centers provide blankets, but having your own can feel more comforting.

Arrange Transportation: While many patients drive themselves to infusions without any problems, it's wise to have someone available to take you home from your first appointment until you know how you'll respond to the medication. Some medications can cause drowsiness or fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Plan for Your Time: Your first infusion will likely take longer than subsequent visits. Block out at least 3-4 hours for the entire appointment, including check-in, pre-infusion assessments, the infusion itself, and post-infusion monitoring.

Choosing Where to Have Your Infusion

One decision you'll need to make is where you'd like to receive your infusion therapy. You have several options, each with its own benefits and considerations.

Hospital Outpatient Infusion Centers offer the security of a full medical facility. Many patients feel more comfortable knowing that comprehensive medical support is immediately available if needed. Hospitals are often required by insurance companies for first-time infusions or for certain higher-risk medications. However, hospital-based infusions typically involve longer wait times, more complex navigation (parking, finding the right department), and a more clinical atmosphere. Some hospital infusion areas may be shared with oncology patients, which can feel emotionally heavy for some people.

Freestanding Infusion Clinics are dedicated facilities designed specifically for infusion patients. These centers typically feature comfortable recliners, a calming environment, and nurses who specialize exclusively in infusion therapy. Patients often appreciate the shorter wait times, easier parking, and more personalized attention. The Infusion Nurses Society notes that specialized infusion centers have become increasingly popular because they focus entirely on providing an optimal infusion experience. The main consideration is that while these clinics have emergency protocols and equipment, they're not full hospitals—though serious complications requiring hospital-level care are rare.

Home Infusion Services bring the treatment directly to you. A specialized home infusion nurse comes to your house to administer your medication in the comfort and privacy of your own space. This option offers ultimate convenience—no travel time, no waiting rooms, and you can relax in familiar surroundings. Many patients appreciate that they typically see the same nurse for each visit, which builds a trusting relationship over time. Home infusion is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility challenges, those who are immunocompromised and want to limit exposure to others, or anyone who simply prefers the privacy of home.

If you're concerned about safety with home infusion, rest assured that home infusion companies follow rigorous safety protocols. Nurses who provide home infusion are specially trained and certified, carry emergency supplies and medications, and have direct communication with pharmacists and physicians. They're trained to recognize and respond to any reactions, and they follow strict protocols to contact emergency medical services if needed. After your first home infusion, most patients find the process feels routine and comfortable.

Not sure which option is right for you? Find and compare infusion centers near you, whether you prefer a hospital setting, a specialized clinic, or home-based care. You can explore options based on location, services offered, and patient reviews to find the best fit for your needs.

Arriving at the Infusion Center

When you arrive at your infusion center or hospital outpatient department, check in at the front desk. You'll need to provide your identification and insurance card. If you're at a new facility, you'll also complete some initial paperwork—patient health history, consent forms, and privacy acknowledgments. Many centers now allow you to complete these forms online before your appointment to save time.

Bring your medication or prescription information with you, even if your doctor has already sent it to the infusion center. It's helpful to have the medication name, dose, and your doctor's contact information readily available. Also bring a list of any allergies, current medications, and relevant medical history.

The waiting area at most infusion centers is designed to be calm and comfortable. Some facilities offer beverages, Wi-Fi, and reading materials. Don't be surprised if there's a short wait—infusion centers run on carefully coordinated schedules, but sometimes appointments run longer than expected if a patient needs extra monitoring or attention.

Meeting Your Infusion Nurse

Once you're called back, you'll meet the nurse who will be administering your infusion. This nurse specializes in infusion therapy and will be with you throughout your treatment. Take this opportunity to ask any questions you have—experienced infusion nurses have heard every concern and are genuinely there to help you feel comfortable.

Your nurse will start by taking your vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and sometimes oxygen levels. They'll review your medication, verify your identity and the medication details (this double-checking is a standard safety protocol), and ask about any symptoms or concerns you're experiencing. According to the National Institutes of Health, these pre-infusion assessments are essential for ensuring safe medication administration.

This is also a good time to mention if you have any specific concerns—for example, if you have difficult veins, if you're nervous about needles, or if you have a preferred arm for IV placement. Good infusion nurses are skilled at making the experience as comfortable as possible and will work with you to address your concerns.

Getting Your IV Started

The next step is placing your IV catheter. The nurse will typically choose a vein in your hand or forearm. They'll apply a tourniquet to make the veins more visible, clean the area with an antiseptic, and insert a small, thin catheter into the vein.

The insertion feels similar to having blood drawn—a brief pinch or sting that lasts just a few seconds. Some people find it helpful to look away and take slow, deep breaths during insertion. Once the catheter is in place, the initial discomfort stops. The catheter itself is soft and flexible, so most patients barely notice it during their infusion.

If you have difficult veins or previous challenges with IV placement, let your nurse know. They may use warming packs to dilate your veins, try a different location, or take extra time to find the best site. Infusion nurses are highly experienced with IV placement and encounter all types of veins—they're experts at what they do.

After the IV is secured, your nurse will flush it with saline to ensure it's working properly. You might feel a cool sensation or even taste something slightly salty—this is completely normal and means your IV is in the right place and functioning correctly.

During Your Infusion: What Happens

Once your IV is ready, your nurse will connect your medication and start the infusion. For your first infusion, medications are typically given more slowly than they will be in future treatments. This cautious approach allows your healthcare team to monitor how you respond and helps minimize the risk of infusion reactions.

You'll be seated in a comfortable recliner or chair, often with the ability to adjust the position for your comfort. Most infusion centers provide pillows and blankets. You're free to relax, read, watch videos on your phone or tablet, work on a laptop, or even nap. Many centers have TVs, and some provide snacks and beverages.

Throughout your infusion, your nurse will check on you regularly—sometimes every 15-30 minutes, depending on your medication. They'll monitor your vital signs periodically and ask how you're feeling. If you experience any unusual symptoms like itching, rash, shortness of breath, or discomfort at the IV site, let your nurse know immediately. These symptoms don't mean something is seriously wrong, but your nurse can adjust your infusion rate or provide medication to help you feel more comfortable.

The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that while most patients tolerate infusions very well, minor reactions like headache, fatigue, or slight nausea can occur. Your infusion team is trained to manage these symptoms and will work to keep you as comfortable as possible.

You can use the restroom during your infusion—your nurse can pause the infusion pump temporarily, or you can bring your IV pole with you (it has wheels). Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything or have any questions during your treatment.

After Your Infusion: Going Home

When your medication has finished infusing, your nurse won't remove your IV right away. You'll remain monitored for 15-30 minutes (sometimes longer for your first infusion) to ensure you're feeling well and aren't having any delayed reactions. Your nurse will check your vital signs one more time.

If you're feeling fine, your nurse will remove your IV catheter and apply a small bandage. You might have slight bruising at the IV site over the next few days—this is normal and nothing to worry about. Your nurse will provide instructions about what to watch for over the next 24 hours and when to call if you have concerns.

Many patients feel tired after their first infusion, though some feel energized or don't notice much change at all. Everyone responds differently. Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. You should be able to resume normal activities the next day, though your doctor may give you specific guidance based on your medication.

Before you leave, you'll typically schedule your next infusion appointment. Having these appointments scheduled in advance helps you plan around work and other commitments.

What to Bring to Your First Infusion

Being prepared can make your first infusion more comfortable. Here's a helpful checklist:

Essential Items: Insurance card and photo ID, list of current medications and allergies, prescription or medication information, any forms your doctor gave you to bring, phone and charger.

Comfort Items: Book, e-reader, or tablet with headphones, light sweater or blanket, pillow for extra comfort, water bottle, small snacks (check if your medication requires you to eat).

Optional Items: Laptop if you want to work, stress ball or fidget toy if that helps you relax, lip balm (infusion centers can be dry), hand lotion, notepad for questions or notes.

Leave valuable jewelry at home, and avoid bringing more than you need. Most infusion centers have secure areas for personal belongings, but it's better to travel light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my first infusion hurt?

The IV insertion might cause brief discomfort—similar to a blood draw—but once the catheter is in place, most patients don't feel pain during the infusion itself. You might feel coolness at the IV site or notice the sensation of fluid entering your vein, but this isn't painful. Some medications can cause minor side effects like headache or fatigue, but serious pain during an infusion is uncommon. If you do experience discomfort, tell your nurse right away.

How long will my first infusion take?

Plan for 2-4 hours total, though this varies depending on your medication. The actual infusion might take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, and you'll need additional time for check-in, pre-infusion assessments, and post-infusion monitoring. First infusions are often longer because the medication is given more slowly while you're monitored for reactions. Subsequent infusions may be shorter once your healthcare team knows you tolerate the medication well.

Can someone stay with me during the infusion?

Most infusion centers welcome a family member or friend to stay with you, though policies can vary, especially regarding the number of visitors or age restrictions for children. Call ahead to confirm the center's visitor policy. Having someone with you can provide emotional support and company, though many patients find they're perfectly comfortable alone once they've had their first infusion.

What if I need to use the bathroom during my infusion?

You can absolutely use the restroom during your infusion. Let your nurse know, and they'll either pause your infusion pump temporarily or show you how to bring your IV pole with you (it has wheels and is easy to maneuver). Don't try to hold it for hours—your comfort matters, and nurses expect patients to need bathroom breaks during longer infusions.

When will I start feeling better from my treatment?

This varies significantly depending on your condition and medication. Some patients notice improvement within days, while others may need several infusions before they experience significant symptom relief. Your doctor should have discussed expected timelines with you. Keep in mind that infusion therapy often works cumulatively—each treatment builds on the previous one. Don't be discouraged if you don't feel dramatically different immediately after your first infusion.

You're Ready for Your First Infusion

Walking into your first infusion appointment with knowledge about what to expect can transform anxiety into confidence. Remember that infusion centers and the nurses who work there are dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and positive as possible. They've guided countless first-time patients through this process and are there to support you.

Ready to find the right infusion center for you? Explore infusion centers and home infusion services near you to compare options and schedule your first appointment.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition or treatment options.

‍