Understanding IV Chemotherapy

You may have a short-term IV or a central venous catheter. Your healthcare provider will discuss which is best for your treatment.

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Intravenous chemotherapy is also called IV chemo. It's done by putting a thin, soft plastic tube (IV catheter) into a vein. This allows the chemo to go right into your blood and spread through your body. You may have a short-term IV that's removed after each treatment. Or you may have a central venous catheter (CVC). A CVC is put into a large vein during minor surgery. It's left in place as long as needed. Sometimes it's called a central line.

IV chemo can take from a few minutes to many hours. Sometimes it's given as an ongoing infusion over a few days. The time it takes depends on the number and type of medicines, and if fluids or other medicines are also being given through the IV.

Short-term IV

A short-term IV is put in your arm, most often between your hand and elbow. A thin needle is used to put it in. You may feel a coolness when the infusion is then started. But it shouldn't burn or hurt. The IV can stay in for a few days but is often taken out when treatment is over.

Over time, chemo can damage your veins, making it hard to place a peripheral IV. If this becomes a problem, a CVC can be used. If your treatment plan includes getting chemo for many months, your healthcare provider might suggest you have a CVC put in before starting treatment.

Central venous catheters (CVC)

Front view of man showing heart and veins with catheter inserted in forearm (PICC).

There are 3 types of CVCs. They are:

  • PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line

  • Tunneled line, also called a central line

  • Implantable port

All of these can be left in place for weeks or months. Ports might be left in for years. The benefits of having a CVC are that it:

  • Limits repeated needle sticks

  • May allow more than 1 medicine to be given at a time

  • Takes away the risk that chemo will leak out of your vein and damage nearby tissues

  • May be used to draw blood, so you're getting fewer needle sticks 

The risks include:

  • Infection

  • Blood clots forming in or around the IV

  • Problems putting fluid into (flushing) the IV

  • Leaks or breaks in the IV

  • The IV coming out

Talk about the risks and benefits with your doctor.

When to call the doctor

No matter which type of IV access you have, call your doctor right away if you have any of these:

  • Itching, rash, hives, wheezing, trouble breathing, or chest pain after treatment

  • Fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, taken by mouth, or as directed by your doctor

  • Redness, pain, or swelling at or near the IV site

  • Fluid leaking or bleeding from the skin around the IV

  • An IV that comes out or breaks

Be sure you know how to get in touch with your provider at all times.