Welcome to Home Inotropic Therapy
Your provider has prescribed an Inotrope, a medication that supports your heart’s pumping ability. Receiving this medication at home through a continuous infusion allows you to stay comfortable while managing your condition safely and effectively.
This guide provides you and your caregivers with important information to help you stay safe and confident with your therapy.
What is Inotropic Therapy?
Inotropes such as milrinone or dobutamine help the heart pump more effectively. These medications are typically used for patients with advanced heart failure or other cardiac conditions and are administered continuously via a pump connected to a central line (like a PICC or tunneled catheter).
What to Expect at Home
Your Home Infusion Kit Will Include:
- Medication (inotrope) prepared by your home infusion pharmacy
- Infusion pump (e.g., Curlin or Sapphire)
- Batteries or charger
- IV tubing and extension sets
- IV catheter care supplies
- Dressing change kits and flushes
- Emergency contact numbers
How the Medication is Given
Continuous Infusion: Your medication will be administered 24/7 through a central line using a portable infusion pump.
No interruptions: The medication must run continuously. Always ensure your pump is on and functioning.
Your Responsibilities at Home
Daily Health Monitoring:
- Record your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and symptoms daily.
- Call us if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or if your symptoms worsen.
- Call us if your weight changes: More than 2lbs in a single day OR 5lbs over a week
Monitor the Pump:
- Keep the pump on at all times.
- Charge or replace batteries as instructed.
- Call the pharmacy or nurse if the pump alarms or stops unexpectedly.
Line Care:
- Wash your hands before handling your line.
- Keep the dressing clean and dry.
- Watch for signs of infection: redness, pain, swelling, fever, or drainage.
| Safety Warning! |
|---|
| Never flush the end of the line that you use for the infusion. If you do, you will get the medicine way too fast. If you have a catheter with more than 1 end, your nurse will show you how to flush the others. |
Important Reminders
- Do NOT stop or pause the pump unless instructed by your provider.
- Always have a backup battery or charged pump.
- Do not adjust your medication dose without consulting your pharmacist.
- Avoid getting the pump or line wet.
- Keep medications refrigerated (if instructed) and follow expiry dates.
- Have an emergency bag ready with extra batteries, supplies, and contact info.
When to Call for Help
Call your nurse, pharmacy, or provider if you notice:
- The pump is alarming and won’t stop
- Leaking at the catheter site
- Redness, warmth, or swelling around the catheter
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Dizziness, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath
- Medication bags are running low or empty before scheduled delivery
Who to call in case of emergency
Call 911 if you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe symptoms.
Medication Safety & Delivery
You will receive scheduled deliveries of your medication and supplies.
Store medication as instructed.
Notify the pharmacy if you travel or change address.
Do not dispose of unused medication, call us for proper disposal instructions.
We Are Here for You
Our goal is to make your inotropic therapy as safe and convenient as possible. If you or your caregiver has questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are available 24/7 to support you.
Thank you for trusting CPS Infusions Pharmacy with your care.