Understanding Vesicants and IV Injuries
When you’re hospitalized or treated in an emergency room, it’s common to receive medications through an intravenous (IV) line. While many IV drugs are safe when properly administered, some are known as vesicants—substances so potent that they can cause severe tissue damage if they leak outside the vein.
A vesicant is any medication or solution that can blister, burn, or destroy tissue upon contact. If a vesicant drug escapes the vein—a complication called extravasation—it can lead to necrosis (tissue death), nerve injury, scarring, and long-term disability.
Common Vesicant Drugs Used in Hospitals
Vesicant medications are often used to treat serious conditions such as cancer or infections. Common examples include:
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Chemotherapy agents: Doxorubicin, vincristine, and paclitaxel
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Antibiotics: Vancomycin, nafcillin
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Electrolytes: Calcium chloride, potassium chloride
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Contrast media: Used in imaging tests such as CT scans
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Hypertonic solutions: Such as high-concentration dextrose
Because these drugs are so corrosive, nurses and hospital staff must take special precautions when inserting and monitoring IV lines.
How Vesicant Injuries Happen
Most vesicant injuries occur when the IV catheter is improperly placed or when hospital staff fail to monitor for swelling, pain, or redness at the IV site. The risk increases if:
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The IV is placed in a fragile or hard-to-access vein (common in elderly patients)
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The nurse fails to check for blood return before administering medication
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The infusion is given too quickly or through the wrong type of catheter
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Staff ignore early signs of infiltration or extravasation
If vesicant leakage occurs, prompt intervention—such as stopping the infusion, elevating the limb, and using antidotes—can minimize injury. Delays can lead to permanent damage.
Potential Consequences of Vesicant Extravasation
The effects of vesicant leakage can be catastrophic. Injuries may include:
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Severe pain and burning
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Skin blistering and ulceration
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Permanent scarring or deformity
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Nerve damage or loss of limb function
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Infection or compartment syndrome
Some patients require surgical debridement, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery to repair the damage.
When IV Vesicant Injuries May Be Medical Malpractice
Florida law requires hospitals, nurses, and physicians to follow accepted standards of care. When vesicant drugs are administered without proper technique, monitoring, or patient assessment, the failure may constitute medical negligence.
You may have a Florida medical malpractice claim if:
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The IV was inserted or monitored improperly
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The hospital failed to use a central line when required
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Staff ignored early warning signs of extravasation
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You suffered permanent injury, disfigurement, or disability
An experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney can help obtain your medical records, consult with IV therapy and nursing experts, and determine whether the hospital or healthcare provider violated the standard of care.
What to Do if You Suspect a Vesicant IV Injury
If you believe you suffered an IV injury from a vesicant drug:
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Document your symptoms and take photos of the affected area.
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Request copies of your hospital records, including nursing notes and medication logs.
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Seek prompt medical treatment from a wound or vascular specialist.
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Consult a Florida medical malpractice lawyer experienced in IV infiltration and extravasation cases.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent impairment.
Get Help from a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Vesicant injuries are preventable when medical professionals follow proper protocols. If a Florida hospital’s negligence led to your IV burn, blistering, or tissue loss, you have legal options.
Our firm investigates IV infiltration and vesicant injury cases across Florida, holding hospitals and nursing staff accountable for preventable harm.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of an IV Infiltration or Extravasation? Contact Florida Hospital and Medical Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
