I.V therapies

Choosing Dialysis Care: What kind of I.V therapies is right?

Common IV therapies administered during dialysis include intravenous iron to treat anemia associated with kidney disease, erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production, antibiotics for infections, calcitriol (active vitamin D) to manage bone disease, and sometimes phosphate binders to control phosphorus levels, all carefully monitored and given through the dialysis access line during treatment sessions.

Key points about IV therapies for dialysis patients:

Iron therapy:
This is the most common IV medication given during dialysis, often administered as intravenous iron dextran or ferric derisomaltose, to address iron deficiency anemia which is prevalent in dialysis patients.
Erythropoietin (EPO):
A synthetic hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, often used alongside iron therapy to manage anemia.
Careful monitoring:
Due to potential complications, the dosage and administration of IV medications during dialysis require close monitoring by healthcare professionals.
Dialysis access:
Medications are typically administered through the dedicated dialysis access line (catheter or fistula).