The following questions represent some of the most common questions we receive. The answers below are a guide and are not intended to replace the need to consult a professional nurse or pharmacist. Please call 1-800-755-4704 to speak with a nurse or pharmacist 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
A. The possible side effects vary for each medication. The side effects specific to your medication will be listed on the medication information sheet located in your Chartwell folder. Please contact a Chartwell pharmacist for further explanation or to report any side effects.
A. Medication should be stored at a controlled room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight, areas exposed to excessive moisture (bathroom) and excessive heat/cold (over or around heating or air conditioning vents). It is also important to store medications out of reach of children and pets.
A. It is possible that the tubing was pinched-off or that the pump was not reset correctly prior to the infusion. Failure to reset the residual volume screen will result in a partial infusion. Please call your nurse or Chartwell for assistance with resetting the screens if needed.
Discard the partially infused bag and notify Chartwell. Do not infuse another bag until the next schedule dose, unless otherwise directed.
A. The amount of heparin and saline used to flush varies based on the type of catheter you have. Flushing orders specific to your catheter are located on the saline and heparin labels as well as on the prescription / Plan of Treatment located in your Chartwell folder.
A. The frequency of medication administration is located on the label of the medication. It is also located on the prescription / Plan of Treatment located in your Chartwell folder.
Please contact a Chartwell pharmacist if further direction is needed or if you have been instructed to administer the medication differently.
A. No. Do not warm medication in the microwave or by using any heat source. You can hold the medication bag/syringe in your hands, allowing body heat to slowly warm the solution or delay administering your dose until the medication reaches room temperature. Please notify Chartwell if you adjust your medication schedule.
A. It is important to administer your medications at the prescribed times. However, if you forget to administer a dose, notify Chartwell of the missed dose. You will be instructed as whether to give your medication and readjust your infusion schedule or wait to administer the next scheduled dose. Do not double-up on the medication.
A. The total length of your therapy is located on your prescription / Plan of Treatment located in your Chartwell folder. Your nurse, Chartwell and/or your physician will notify you when your therapy is completed and you should discontinue administering it.
