How is PCA different from an injection?
• With PCA, small amounts of pain medicine can be given continuously or as needed. The medicine gets into your blood stream faster than an injection. You may still have pain, but it should be an amount that is manageable for you. • With an injection (hypo or shot into a muscle), you may have to tell your caregiver that your pain is getting worse. You may have to wait for the medicine. With an injection, you may get a larger amount of pain medicine at one time. Your pain may return before you can get another shot, since time (usually hours) must pass between injections. How safe is PCA? • PCA is very safe. The machine has a tiny computer in it that is set by caregivers depending on your weight, age, and other things. The pump will only allow a specific amount of medicine to be given within a specific time. The machine has a “lockout” period that prevents you from getting a dose of medicine too soon. You may push the button many times, but the pump will only give you medicine in keeping
