It should be noted that all forms of infusion therapy require close monitoring, including frequent lab work. Possible adjustments will be made to therapies based on lab results and the individual patient responses to the therapies ordered.
Antibiotics are medications that are used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria. They are important medications that require close adherence to the orders given by the physician for the frequency throughout the day, as well as the total duration of the therapy, to ensure that the infection is eradicated. Some of the most common antibiotics Dr. Houston uses in antibiotic therapy include vancomycin, ceftriaxone, penicillin, and clindamycin. Bloodwork will be drawn on a regular schedule to ensure that therapeutic goals are being met, and that your body is processing the medications with no issues.
Antifungals are medications that are used to treat fungal infections such as severe yeast infections (candidiasis), aspergillus and histoplasmosis. Antifungals, like antibiotics, require close adherence to the orders given by the physician for correct dosing throughout the day. In addition, following the full course of therapy is vitally important to ensuring eradication of the infection. Common antifungal medications we use at AlphaOmegaRx include fluconazole, mycamine, and cancidas.
Antivirals are medications that are used to treat viruses such as hepatitis B & C, cytomegalovirus, and herpes. Two of the most common antiviral drugs that we prescribe for these types of conditions include acyclovir and gangciclovir. With proper dosing and monitored treatment, antivirals can be highly effective at treating these viruses. With “Dr. T” and the staff at AlphaOmegaRx, there is hope for living a full life while managing and treating these potentially serious viruses.
Inotropic medications are specifically used in patients needing support with their cardiovascular function. Patients who are diagnosed with late-stage congestive heart failure, for instance, may require inotropic medications to help assist the heart in pumping a sufficient blood supply throughout the body. Inotropic medications may sometimes become the bridge for a heart transplant to occur, or for a patient to achieve a level of wellness that allows for a left ventricular assisted device (LVAD) to be placed. In addition, inotropic medications may be used to help maintain quality of life near end of life. Common medications used in this class of therapy include dopamine, dobutamine, and milrinone. Dr. Houston and his knowledgeable staff will work closely with your referring cardiologist to ensure your heart is handled with the utmost care.
Enteral Nutrition (tube feeding) is provided to individuals who are unable to feed themselves or who may have difficulty swallowing due to various reasons. Some individuals may have decreased appetite, or some sort of blockage that does not allow the food to be absorbed when ingested orally. Enteral nutrition therapy can be used both short-term and long-term, depending on the patient’s condition. We will work closely with your physician and your registered dietitian to ensure your caloric needs are met while maximizing nutritional intake. Enteral nutrition may be used to help maintain weight, or to increase or decrease weight.
PN therapy (parenteral nutrition) is sometimes necessary to help maintain nutritional levels in individuals who are unable to maintain sufficient nutritional status via oral or G-tube administration. We commonly see this in patients who have been diagnosed with malabsorption, a short gut, or with individuals who may have experienced complications from surgeries affecting their digestive system. “Dr. T” at AlphaOmegaRx understands the delicate balance of PN therapy and will work closely with your referring physician to ensure proper nutritional levels are maintained.
IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) is a therapy for patients who have a deficiency of the IV portion of the various immunoglobulins within the human body. Immunoglobulin deficiencies cause challenges for fighting infections. For example, patients with lupus, multiple sclerosis, or individuals who have had a bone marrow transplant need this type of therapy to help prevent infections. Some of the medications Dr. Houston at AlphaOmegaRx uses include Gammagard®, Gamunex®, and Privigen®. IVIG therapy with AlphaOmegaRx may help give your body the fighting chance it deserves.
Hydration therapy is commonly used to ensure that patients maintain a normal fluid volume status. Patients requiring this type of therapy suffer from dehydration. Individuals who experience excessive vomiting or diarrhea may be candidates for hydration therapy. The most common hydration therapy includes IV infusion of sodium chloride 0.9%, dextrose 5%, or lactated ringers. If you’re experiencing chronic dehydration and other therapies have not worked, ask your physician for a referral to Dr. Houston at AlphaOmegaRx. We can help.
Cath care is provided to patients who currently have an IV access that requires proper ongoing care to ensure the line’s integrity is maintained. These lines require flushing anywhere from three times daily to once monthly, depending on the type of IV access that is present. We provide education to patients about line flushing so that once properly trained, patients can manage this aspect of their infusion therapy on their own at home. At AlphaOmegaRx, we believe that having a catheter should not keep you tethered to your doctor’s office.
Steroid therapy is commonly provided to individuals that are experiencing complications from multiple sclerosis, lupus, or other autoimmune diseases. In addition, steroid therapy may be indicated to help manage flare-ups of these autoimmune diseases. The most common steroids we use for this type of therapy include Solu-Medrol® or Solu-Cortef®. Steroid therapy works by decreasing inflammation in parts of the body commonly affected by autoimmune diseases, including nerve endings and joints. Steroid therapy can significantly help reduce and/or relieve pain, allowing you to experience an improved quality of life.
Pain Management is provided to patients who are suffering from pain. Individuals may need ongoing pain management for cancer-related pain, or they may need pain management during end of life care. Other reasons why a patient may need IV infusion therapy for pain management would be if they no longer are responding to oral or topical pain medications. At Alpha Omega, we will work closely with your doctor to provide equal analgesic dosing to convert your oral therapies to an equivalent IV therapy.
Palliative Care is a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that a patient is comfortable and maximizes their quality of life while undergoing a serious illness or who may be near end of life. The difference between hospice and palliative care is that a palliative care patient may have a longer life expectancy than a hospice patient. Palliative care is essential in providing relief from symptoms of stress during a serious illness. As palliative care providers, we work closely with your physician and hospice care providers to ensure your comfort.