Intrathecal Pump Medication and Management
We are an accredited pharmacy and can make sterile customized compounded medications for intrathecal pumps.
We can make the medication for the patient whether the patient is getting a refill in the doctor’s office or at their home through a home care service.
Our accreditation places us in the top 1% of compounding pharmacies
What is an intrathecal pain pump?
A device implanted in the body that delivers very small quantities of pain medication, directly to the fluid around the spinal cord. The dose of the medications delivered through the pump are very low , often less than 1% of what the oral dose of the same medication would be.
Why would someone want or need an implanted pain pump (intrathecal pump) in their body to deliver medication for pain or spasticity?
- It can provide pain relief in patients who cannot achieve adequate pain control, even with high doses of oral opioid medications.
- Smaller doses are delivered, and side effects are minimized compared to those often experienced with larger oral doses of the same medications
“Intrathecal drug delivery offers patients a way to experience pain relief using a fraction of an oral medication dose, which can help to minimize the uncomfortable and sometimes intolerable side effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation) that often accompany pain medication taken orally.”
Patient Satisfaction Following Intrathecal Targeted Drug Delivery for Benign Chronic Pain: Results of a Single-Center Survey Study
David M Schults, Vwaire Orhurhu, Faizan Khan, Jonathan M Hagedom, Alaa Abd-Elsayed
The study concluded that there was a high level of satisfaction among patients using intrathecal targeted drug delivery; it can improve quality of life. Many of the 443 patients who completed the survey reported a decrease in pain and a decrease in opioid use with complete discontinuation in almost 39%. Many also reported improvement in physical function.
Watch the video: Medication refill in the implanted pump
The medication is injected into the pump that has been surgically placed in the abdomen. The refill is done by a doctor, or a nurse who has been specifically trained for it; it requires specific techniques.
The refill is done either in the doctor’s office, or, at home through a homecare company for patients who need care at home.
Possible Benefits of Targeted Drug Delivery with an Intrathecal Pump
- Improved quality of life & ability to function
- Pain Relief
- Reduction in oral medication
- More cost-effective than conventional solutions
Study: Clinical Outcomes: Chronic Pain Targeted Drug Delivery
What patients may benefit from a pain pump?
Pain pumps may be beneficial in patients with:
- Chronic severe pain
- Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Failed back surgery syndrome (continued chronic pain after surgery)
- Cancer-related pain
- Arachnoiditis
- Others
Pain pumps can also help with spasticity that often occurs in patients with:
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
Patients report a reduction in pain scores after receiving targeted drug delivery.
51% of patients completely eliminated other opioids* at 12 months.
87% of patients rated their quality of life as fair to excellent.
90% of patients would recommend therapy to a family member or friend.
Source: Explore the Benefits of Targeted Drug Delivery | Medtronic.com
Why would a patient need pump refills and management at home?
“Patient social support systems, distance to a health care facility, availability of reliable transportation, and insurance coverage are also factors to consider in patients with chronic pain who may receive intrathecal medication therapy.”
Source: Intrathecal pain management: a team-based approach
When you get your pump implanted, you may choose to go to your doctor’s office for your intrathecal pump medication refills.
However, patients with more serious medical conditions and physical limitations may benefit by using services that would help with intrathecal pump pain management in their home. Your doctor can determine if that would be an option for you.
