Optimizing therapy Targeted drug delivery
Regular
doctor visits
You will need to return to your doctor's office periodically for checkups and to have your pump refilled.
Pump refills
Keeping all of your refill appointments will ensure your pump does not run out of medication. If you miss a refill appointment, it may result in:
- Loss of, or change in, your therapy
- Underdose (too little of the drug) that could lead to a return of pain symptoms or, possibly, symptoms of withdrawal
- Damage to the pump that could require replacement surgery
The frequency of your refill appointments will depend on the concentration and amount of medication you receive each day. Refills generally happen every 6 weeks to 6 months.
Follow your treatment plan
Follow the treatment plan developed by your doctor, including participating in physical therapy as prescribed.
Adjusting dose
Work with your physician to find the dose of medication that is most comfortable for you. Dosing can be customized to accommodate your needs at different times of the day, night, or week.
Talk with your doctor
Tell your doctor if you are not feeling well, if you are having problems with your therapy, or if you are not receiving adequate pain relief.
Review your goals regularly with your doctor. Are you making progress toward achieving them? Is drug delivery therapy helping you reach your goals? What adjustments need to be made?
Pump alarms
and cautions
Understand what your pump alarm sounds like and what activities to avoid or limit during therapy.
Understanding pump alarm sounds
Be aware of the critical (two-tone) alarm and the non-critical (single-tone) alarm on your pump. Alarms may sound when the pump needs to be refilled, replaced, or is experiencing a problem. Contact your doctor if you hear an alarm.
Please note that the volume of the alarm on your computer may be louder than the volume of the alarm heard from the implanted pump.
The alarm signals a critical or noncritical event in your infusion system. A critical alarm is a dual-tone alarm. A critical alarm means that therapy has stopped or will stop soon. A noncritical alarm is a single-tone alarm. A noncritical alarm requires a doctor or nurse's attention because it may mean therapy will stop at some point in the future.
After your implant, ask your doctor to temporarily program your pump to sound the alarm in his or her office so you will recognize the sound if an alarm goes off in the future.
A non-critical alarm will sound when you are nearing replacement. Learn more about pump replacement.
Activities to avoid
Avoid activities that put stress on your drug delivery system, including sudden, excessive, or repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching that can damage the pump or catheter or cause the catheter to become disconnected.
Medical tests
The pump was designed to be MRI safe under certain conditions. Learn more about MRI and diagnostic test compatibility.
Traveling with your pump
Resources are available to help you as you prepare for travel. Learn more about how to prepare for travel and vacations.