Management of Extravasation
This information has been designed to give you important advice about extravasation and to answer some common queries that you may have.
What is extravasation?
Extravasation is the leakage of drugs from the vein into which they were being given into the surrounding tissues. This can lead to an immediate reaction and may, with some drugs, result in local tissue damage. You may have noticed pain, stinging, swelling or other changes to the skin at the site of drug administration, or the healthcare practitioner may have noticed that the drug was not flowing in easily. You may have noticed that the area around the cannulation site was slightly uncomfortable or red. In the vast majority of cases, this should not cause you any health problems and your body will remove the drug from your system within a few days. You may also notice that the area later becomes bruised.
Why did this happen?
Extravasation is a rare but known complication of intravenous therapy. It is impossible to prevent this even though we take all possible precautions. The important thing is that it has been detected and treated.
Why is extravasation a problem?
It can lead to pain, stiffness and tissue damage.
What treatment have I received to prevent tissue damage?
The healthcare practitioner or Tissue Viability Team has given you the recommended treatment for the extravasation which varies depending on the type of drug involved.
Is there anything I can do at home?
There are a number of simple steps you can take when you are at home.
- Keep your arm elevated as much as possible.
- Keep your arm moving as much as possible Simple analgesia (such as you would normally take for a headache) can be taken to help manage any discomfort.
- Do not apply any lotions, creams or ointments unless you have been instructed to do so by a doctor or nurse.
- Do not expose the affected area to strong sunlight.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing around the affected area Protect the affected area when bathing (or having a shower) so that it does not get wet.
- Although this will help minimise the chance of developing further problems, you will need to keep checking the affected area every day.
Checking the affected area
Once a day, check the area for the following:
- Is the area more uncomfortable or painful?
- Has the area of inflammation increased?
- Has the area changed colour or increased in redness?
- Is the area blistering, peeling or flaking?
- Is the pain making it difficult for you to exercise the arm or hand?
If you answered YES to any of the questions in the checklist above, or if you have any other concerns, then you must contact the healthcare practitioner or team who have been caring for you.
Date of Publication: 17/01/2024
Reference code: PIL114V3
Date of next review: 01/01/2027