What Comes in Your First Home Infusion Shipment?

Starting home infusion therapy can feel overwhelming — and when that first delivery arrives, you may find yourself staring at a box full of supplies you've never seen before. Don't worry. Everything in that shipment has a purpose, and knowing what to expect can make the whole process feel much more manageable.

Here's a breakdown of what typically arrives in your first home infusion shipment and what each item is for. It is important to note that each patient’s IV infusion medication is different and not every therapy requires all these items.

1.      The Medication Itself

At the heart of your shipment is the medication your doctor prescribed. Infusion drugs come in a few different forms depending on the therapy:

• IV medication -  Pre-mixed solutions of your medication in a saline or dextrose base, ready to hang and infuse. Depending on your treatment, the medication may come in syringes, elastomeric pumps, or PN pumps and bags.

IV Infusion medications require refrigeration. Your shipment will likely arrive in a box with ice packs, and you'll need to transfer the medication to the refrigerator right away.

2.      Infusion Supplies

Along with your medication, you'll receive all the consumable supplies needed to administer each dose safely. These typically include:

• IV tubing (when appropriate) – This is the plastic tubing that connects your IV bag to your PICC line or access port and may be included depending on your medication. These are single-use and changed with each infusion.

• Alcohol pads – Used to clean ports, caps, and skin before accessing your line. Gloves, sharps container.

• Syringes and needles – For flushing lines, mixing medications, or adding medication to a bag.

• Saline flush syringes – These pre-filled syringes used to clear your IV line before and after your infusion.

• Heparin flush syringes – Depending on your catheter type, heparin may be used to keep the line from clotting.

• Gloves – These are to be used to maintain cleanliness during the infusion process.

• Sharps container – A puncture-resistant container for safely disposing of needles, syringes, and other sharps.

3.      Your Infusion Pump (If Applicable)

Depending on your therapy, your shipment may include an infusion pump. Common types include:

• Electronic ambulatory pumps – Small, programmable devices that precisely control the rate of your infusion. Great for therapies that need to be given slowly over hours.

• Elastomeric (ball) pumps – Disposable, non-electronic devices that use gentle pressure to deliver medication at a set rate. No programming needed.

• Gravity drip sets – Some simpler infusions don't require a pump at all and are administered using gravity and a flow regulator.

If a pump is included, your home infusion nurse will walk you through how to use it during your training visit.

4.      Patient Education Materials

Your first shipment almost always includes written instructions and educational resources, such as:

• A Patient Packet Folder – This includes the contact information for Landmark and contains important information relating to your IV therapy.

• Laminated Instructional mat – This will either be your ‘SASH Mat’ or ‘TPN Mat’ that serves as a reminder of the steps of your infusion.

• IV Homecare Handbook – This handbook is full of important information regarding Landmark, Patient Rights, Medication Safety and more.

It is important to read through these materials before your home health nurse visits so you can ask informed questions.

Keep in mind, you may receive specialty items unique to your therapy. If you're on TPN (total parenteral nutrition), for example, your shipment will look quite different from someone on IV antibiotics.

5.      Tips for Your First Delivery

A little preparation goes a long way; here are a few things to keep in mind when your first shipment arrives -

• Check everything against your packing list. If anything is missing or damaged, call your pharmacy immediately.

• Refrigerate medications right away. Don't leave them in the box overnight.

• Find a clean, organized space. Designate a drawer or shelf for your supplies so everything is easy to find when it's time to infuse.

• Don't throw anything away until your nurse visits. You may not recognize every item yet, and your nurse can explain what each one is for.

• Save Landmark’s number. We can be reached 24/7 at 866.388.3883. If you have any questions, need additional supplies, or have questions regarding your therapy, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

You’ve Got This!

Home infusion therapy requires some learning, but most patients become comfortable with the process within a few sessions. Your care team, including your prescribing physician, home infusion pharmacist, and visiting nurse — is there to support you every step of the way. The first shipment may seem like a lot, but soon enough, you'll know exactly what each item is for and feel confident managing your therapy at home.