While generally considered highly safe and widely utilized in modern medicine, infusion therapy does carry several inherent clinical risks and potential complications that require vigilant monitoring by trained healthcare professionals. The most common localized complication is phlebitis, which involves the uncomfortable inflammation of the vein at the catheter insertion site, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and localized pain. Another significant risk is infiltration or extravasation, which occurs when the intravenous catheter accidentally slips out of the vein, causing the infused medication or fluid to leak directly into the surrounding soft tissues, potentially leading to severe tissue damage or necrosis, especially if the drug is highly toxic like certain chemotherapies. Systemic risks include the potential for localized or bloodstream infections if strict sterile protocols are not meticulously maintained during catheter insertion or dressing changes. Furthermore, patients may experience severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, or adverse physiological responses to the specific medication being administered, alongside the rare but serious risk of an air embolism if air bubbles inadvertently enter the intravenous line during the setup process.