Will the SACT infusion hurt?

Will the SACT infusion hurt?

SACT should not hurt. If you have any pain, stinging, burning or any unusual sensation while you are having treatment into the vein, it is very important to tell the nurse giving you the drugs straight away. The nurse will check that the cannula is working well. She will also check the area for any redness or swelling.

Sometime the drugs can leak into the tissue around your vein. This is called an ‘extravasation’.

An extravasation can be resolved very easily with little or no damage to the skin, but some drugs called ‘vesicants’ can cause painful skin ulcers if they leak into the tissues. It is very important that you tell the staff treating you straight away if you have any discomfort at all whilst having your SACT. This is because treatment can be given to help stop or limit any damage if there is an extravasation.

Sometimes pain and damage to the tissues does not happen straight away. They can develop after the SACT. When you are home, if you have increased pain, swelling or redness around the area where the SACT was given you must phone the Acute Oncology Service on 07825 028855.