Written By: Amanda Phillips

Many times, chronic illness means relying on medications to do everything from helping with the symptoms and pain to slowing down the progression of a disease. Yet probably the most salient thing that is often overlooked by most people, though, is in the many ways one may actually get the medication depending on one's condition and the type of drug involved in how well the body absorbs it. Pills, injections, IV infusion—the list goes on and on, all of these have pros and cons to them.

In this article, we go over the many ways medications can be received and why each of those options exist. If you are someone who is living with a chronic illness, knowing these methods might make you feel more in control of your treatment plan. And let's not forget how being as comfortable as possible during treatments can really make the difference, too. Let's explore our choices.

Oral Medications (Pills, Tablets, and Liquids)

Oral medications are the most common route for receiving medication. Pills, tablets, and liquid medications are super easy to use and for many people, it's the easiest way. You just swallow the dose with a glass of water, and through the digestive system, the drug is absorbed.

• Pros:
• Very convenient, easy to take at home.
• Requires no special equipment or training.
• Cons:
• Some drugs irritate the stomach.
• Food and digestive problems can interfere with absorption.
• Onset of action may be delayed compared with other routes.

Injections

Injections deliver medicine directly into the body—usually either under the skin (subcutaneous) or into the muscle (intramuscular). For many individuals with a chronic illness, injections become routine; whether it be due to insulin for diabetes, or biologic medications for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease.

Comfort is key for injections, as you could be administering them quite frequently. The Injection Joggers provide easy access to your legs for injections while keeping you warm and comfortable.

• Pros:
• Absorption into the blood is more direct than oral medications.
• The action of some types of medications is faster.
• Medication can be given that cannot be taken orally.
• Cons:
• It may hurt, which is uncomfortable and, if frequent, even more so.
• Most require proper training or assistance to be self-administered.
• May have risk for infection at the site of injection.

IV Infusions

Intravenous (IV) infusions are, for some chronic diseases, the best mode of drug entry directly into the blood. Drugs such as hydration fluids, or biologics, given this way for conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn's disease.

Since IV infusions take several hours at any one time, the IV Zip Hoodie from BeWell provides comfort and easy access to your IV line with no sacrifice in warmth.

• Pros:
• Fast-acting, because this is introduced directly into the bloodstream.
• Useful for medications that cannot be absorbed through oral means or by injection.
• Can deliver a variety of treatments within one session: hydration, pain relief, or biologics.
• Cons:
• Requires visits to the hospital or clinic that can take several hours.
• Very long treatment sessions, injection of IVs is painful.
• Possible infection at the site of insertion.

Ports

Some patients of chronic diseases require access to medicines/fluids frequently or over a certain period. That is where the ports come in. These small medical devices are installed beneath the skin for easy access for regular treatments such as chemotherapy or biologics.

In that respect, the Multi Access Hoodie by BeWell allows access to ports without sacrificing comfort or warmth.

• Pros:
• Less painful overtime versus repeated needle sticks.
• Can remain in place for long-term treatments.
• Can be anchored in place to reduce dislodging and bleeding.
• Cons:
• Requires surgical placement, with associated minor risks.
• Infection or complications at the port site.
• Regular cleaning and maintenance are required for it.

Surgical Implants/Medication Pumps

Surgical implants or medication pumps are set into the skin, often around the abdomen or back. Continuous infusion pumps directly infuse the drug into the bloodstream or spinal cord—or both—and other areas of the body. They are usually used for pain management, insulin delivery, and chemotherapy.

• Pros:
• Continuous, controlled delivery of medication.
• Decreases the frequency of injections or oral doses.
• Ideal for long-term pain management or insulin control.
• Cons:
• Requires surgical placement and periodic maintenance.
• Potential for infection or malfunction of the device.
• It may be uncomfortable or noticeable under the skin.

Suppositories

Suppositories are solid medications inserted through the rectum, vagina, or urethra, where they dissolve and get absorbed by the body. This route is used when medications cannot be taken orally due to nausea, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing, and when there are issues to be treated more locally such as hemorrhoids or infection.

• Pros:
• Used if it is not possible to take any medication orally.
• It directly enters the bloodstream without passing through the digestive system.
• Can target the relief to a very specific condition.
• Cons:
• It is often cumbersome or awkward to administer.
• Not all medicines are effective in this method of delivery.
• Sometimes the site of application might get irritated.

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are taken in through the lungs by means of an inhaler or nebulizer. This is a very common route of administration for conditions that affect the lungs, such as asthma and COPD, since treatments this way reach the lungs immediately.

• Pros:
• Fast-acting for respiratory conditions.
• Delivered directly to the lungs, where it's needed most.
• Can be self-administered at home with minimal equipment.
• Cons:
• Requires proper technique for usage in some cases.
• Not all types of medications are suitable to use with this.
• Can also irritate the throat or cause coughing.

Topical Medications

Not all drugs have to be swallowed or injected. Topical drugs are laid on the skin and are used to treat conditions that are limited to the skin, such as muscle ache, rash, or inflammation. Creams, gels, and patches are administered through the skin and are especially suitable when systemic treatment is unnecessary.

• Pros:
• Non-invasive and easy to apply.
• Useful for problems of only a part of the body, like pain and skin diseases.

• Minimal side effects compared with oral or injected medications.
• Cons:
• It is limited to surface or localized treatment.
• May not be strong enough in the case of severe symptoms.
• Can sometimes irritate the skin. 

Why These Different Methods Matter

Because no two drugs affect each individual exactly the same way, there are many routes of drug delivery. Drugs taken orally may not be properly absorbed if the digestive system is in some distress; injections and infusions offer direct access to the bloodstream. Gaining knowledge of how each is administered gives you a much greater ability to discuss with your doctor what works best for you.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Medication Method

Living with a chronic condition means juggling several options for treatment. The more you know your options, the better equipped you will be to take the reins in your health journey. Whether it is pills, injections, or IV infusions, knowing the pros and cons of each route lets you give your body what it needs.

And as treatments can be often unforgiving, comfort is key. Learn about the Multi Access Hoodie for port access, the IV Zip Hoodie for infusions, and the Injection Joggers for shots in your legs. It's a battle just managing the illness itself; comfort shouldn't have to be sacrificed.

Talk to your healthcare provider about the medication delivery option that's right for you. Knowing your options and keeping yourself informed will make your treatment journey a lot easier.