Accidental IV Injection: Immediate Action & Potential Risks

If you accidentally inject into a vein, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This is because injecting a drug into a vein can cause serious side effects, including:

* Overdose: Injecting a drug into a vein can lead to an overdose because the drug enters the bloodstream too quickly. This can cause the heart to race, the blood pressure to drop, and the person to lose consciousness.

* Infection: Injecting a drug into a vein can also lead to infection because the needle can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. This can cause a fever, chills, and muscle aches.

* Blood clots: Injecting a drug into a vein can also lead to blood clots. This can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area.

If you believe that you have accidentally injected into a vein, it is important to:

1. Stop injecting immediately.

2. Seek medical attention immediately.

3. Tell the doctor or nurse what drug you injected and how much.

4. Follow the doctor's or nurse's instructions.

By following these steps, you can help to reduce the risk of serious side effects from accidentally injecting into a vein.