Some medications must be given by an intravenous (IV) injection or infusion. This means they’re sent directly into your vein using a needle or tube. In fact, the term “intravenous” means “into the vein.”

With IV administration, a thin plastic tube called an IV catheter is inserted into your vein. The catheter allows your healthcare provider to give you multiple safe doses of medication without needing to poke you with a needle each time.