It's Therapy Thursday! Today we're talking all about INOTROPES. In severe congestive heart failure (CHF) or other cardiac conditions, a cardiologist may refer a patient to Paragon Home Infusion. The importance of a healthy and functioning circulatory system is difficult to overstate, so treatment with Paragon can offer cardiac patients a significantly improved outlook and quality of life. One of the ways we treat cardiac conditions is through infusions of inotropes.

What are inotropes, and how do they work?

Inotropes are agents that can change the strength of contractions in the heart muscle. This basic movement keeps blood pumping throughout the body. Using inotropes to strengthen or weaken heart contractions can help to compensate for obstructions in the circulatory system. This fights against the immediate effects of CHF, in which blood flow is blocked by a buildup of plaque in the veins.

How does treatment at home work?

Because inotropes are meant to affect the heart muscle, the best treatment method is an IV or intravenous line (in a vein). Common examples of IV usage include a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line, commonly placed in an arm or hand, or a central line, typically placed on the chest for more direct access to the heart.

After IV access to your bloodstream is established, a home infusion system of a pump, a bag of inotrope medicine and a carrying pack is set up. This system delivers a constant stream of IV treatment. Because inotropes are often used to prevent heart failure, the treatment must be continuously pumped into your veins 24/7. The pump and carrying pack, however, allow cardiac patients the freedom of moving around their homes or even going out. Many patients prefer this over being connected to an IV pole like you might see at a hospital.

Taking part in managing your medication and IV tubing at home can be understandably intimidating at first. As part of Paragon’s patient-centric approach, our home health nurses will be available every step of the way. Nurses will also come to each patient’s home twice weekly to change their IV bag, tubing and pump while instructing the patient and their family to become independent.

Paragon’s Home Infusion Pharmacies also deliver treatments and infusion supplies directly to the patient’s home each week to make the process as stress-free and straightforward as possible.

What other resources does Paragon offer?

In addition to a dedicated and caring team of home health nurses, being part of the Paragon Home Infusion family gains you access to:

• Weekly phone calls with a Pharmacy Technician to check on the patient’s treatment and to ensure supplies and therapies are being delivered correctly and on time
• The ability to call your Home Infusion Pharmacy 24/7 with any questions or concerns
• Ongoing support and education from Paragon and our nursing staff

Whatever infusion treatment you need, and for whatever length of time, Paragon is here to make sure that your needs as a patient are considered first. If you or a loved one are seeking a healthcare company that will give you the individualized care you deserve, tell your physician or specialist that you want to join the Paragon family. We’ll handle the referral process from there and follow up with you directly.

You can also visit our Home Infusion Therapy page to learn more at https://paragonhealthcare.com/home-infusion/.