Infusion Services

Ochsner offers several infusion services, including:

• Hydration therapy: Replaces fluids and electrolytes lost through illness, heat or surgery.
• Medication infusion: Delivers antibiotics, chemotherapy or pain medication directly into the bloodstream.
• Nutritional infusion: Provides essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients when you cannot eat or absorb them through digestion.

IV infusion treatment is tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and overall care plan. 

Patients can meet with a care team member, complete lab work and receive IV infusion therapy at the same location. Each center is staffed by certified nurses and support teams dedicated to providing high-quality care in a compassionate environment.

Our infusion therapy centers provide several amenities including:

• Drinks, including coffee, tea, soft drinks and juice
• Recliners with warm blankets
• Shared library
• Snacks and meals
• Televisions and iPads
• Wi-Fi

Amenities vary by location.

The infusion services team at Ochsner works to make your treatment experience as comfortable as possible. Our convenient locations offer a range of IV infusion therapy, including:

• Albumin infusions to manage liver issues and low blood volume
• Anemia infusions and injections
• Antibiotic infusions
• Antiemetics therapy to treat nausea and vomiting
• Biotherapy
• Blood products and treatment for low platelets
• Blood transfusions
• Boniva injections for osteoporosis
• Chemotherapy
• Chronic kidney failure treatment
• Crohn’s disease treatment
• DDAVP infusions for bleeding disorders
• Dressing changes for central lines
• Gamma globulin infusions for autoimmune diseases
• Immunotherapy
• Injections
• Intravenous fluids
• Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for weakened immune systems
• Iron infusions
• Labs from PICC lines (internal catheters near the heart) and port-a-caths (devices under the skin for easy vein access)
• Monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19
• Osteoarthritis treatment
• Pain management
• Port flushes
• Prolia injections for osteoporosis
• Reclast and Zometa infusions for high calcium levels or bone damage
• Remicade infusions for autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Treatment for myelodysplasia syndrome, a blood cell disorder
• Workups for febrile neutropenia, a life-threatening cancer treatment complication causing fever and low neutrophil counts (a type of white blood cell)

To find out if the service you need is available at your local infusion suite, call the specific location.

Home IV infusion therapy is IV treatment given from the comfort of your own home. Ochsner's team works with your physician to create a care plan based on your needs. Once your treatment plan is developed, Ochsner's team of nurses will train you or your caregiver on all you need to know to perform the infusion treatment at home. You'll learn about your specific treatment, possible side effects, the best time to do the therapy and more. Periodic home visits will also help ensure you have all the support you need. For more information, visit our Ochsner Outpatient and Home Infusion Pharmacy.

Yes, Ochsner offers IV hydration therapy.

IV hydration therapy is one of the most popular forms of IV infusion therapy. It is designed to quickly restore fluids and electrolytes when the body is dehydrated. This can happen due to illness, intense exercise, travel, heat exposure or even a hangover.

The solution typically includes a mix of sterile water, sodium chloride (salt), and electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. In some cases, vitamins like vitamin C or B vitamins are added for more support.

By delivering fluids directly into the bloodstream, IV hydration therapy helps the body recover much faster than drinking fluids alone. It can help relieve symptoms such as headache, fatigue, muscle cramps and nausea.

While IV hydration therapy is safe when administered by trained professionals, it is not necessary for everyone. Most people can stay hydrated by drinking water and eating a balanced diet. If you are considering this treatment, talk with a healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you.

"The infusion nurses are some of the most caring human beings I have ever encountered... Once I started the IVIG infusions (intravenous immunoglobulin) I have never been sick. It is like a miracle." - Jim L., infusion patient at Ochsner Medical Center - Clearview

IV infusion therapy is a treatment that delivers fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into your bloodstream through a vein. This allows the body to absorb them quickly and ensures you receive the right dose. IV infusion therapy is often used in hospitals, clinics, or outpatient centers, especially when you cannot take medicine or fluids by mouth.

One of the biggest benefits of IV infusion therapy is how quickly it works. Because the fluids or medications go straight into the bloodstream, your body can use them almost right away. This is much faster than waiting for a pill to pass through your digestive system.

In emergencies, this rapid action can make a significant difference. It is also useful for people who need fast rehydration or quick pain relief.

Another benefit of IV infusion therapy is that it helps support hydration and balance important minerals in the body. People with chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease or gastrointestinal problems, often struggle to stay hydrated. IV infusion therapy ensures the body receives the fluids and minerals it needs to regulate blood pressure, body temperature and other vital functions.

This treatment can also help address specific health problems. People receiving chemotherapy, managing migraines, or living with fibromyalgia may receive IV infusions to ease symptoms and support healing.

IV infusion therapy is safe when performed by trained healthcare workers in a hospital, clinic or certified infusion center. These settings follow strict safety protocols to reduce risks.

Still, like any medical treatment, there can be side effects. Minor issues such as bruising, swelling or discomfort at the IV site are fairly common. In rare cases, more serious complications such as infections, allergic reactions or vein inflammation (phlebitis) can occur. 

Some people may face a higher risk of side effects, especially those with weakened immune systems, heart conditions or a history of allergies. That is why it is important to have a full medical evaluation before starting IV infusion therapy to ensure it is a good fit.