What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is a method of delivering medications directly into the bloodstream through a vein, typically using a catheter or IV line. The drugs used in this form of therapy are often biologic agents, which are designed to target specific components of the immune system involved in joint inflammation and tissue damage.
Indications for Infusion Therapy
Disease that may be treated by infusion include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Lupus
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Vasculitis
- Osteoporosis
Sometimes we partner with other specialists to provide infusion services for psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, thyroid eye disease, NMO spectrum disease, and certain other gastrointestinal, dermatology, neurology, cardiology conditions
Infusion therapy is generally recommended when:
- Oral or subcutaneous medications fail to control symptoms effectively.
- There are contraindications or side effects with other medications.
- The individual has severe disease activity requiring fast and targeted intervention.
- Long-term disease control and prevention of joint deformities are the goals.
Patient Considerations
Before initiating infusion therapy, patients undergo thorough screening for infections such as tuberculosis and hepatitis. Vaccination status is also reviewed.
Procedure for Infusion Therapy
Infusion sessions are conducted at our specialized facility. The process typically involves:
- Pre-infusion evaluation: Monitoring vital signs and reviewing recent blood work.
- Administration of medication: The drug is infused slowly into the vein over a period that can range from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Post-infusion observation: You will be monitored for any adverse reactions.
Benefits of Infusion Therapy
Some of the benefits of infusion therapy includes:
- High efficacy: Especially useful for refractory cases of arthritis and other autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
- Targeted action: Biologics work on specific immune pathways, minimizing systemic side effects.
- Reduced dosing frequency: Some infusions are needed only once every 4 to 8 weeks.
Adherence to follow-up appointments and regular lab tests are crucial for monitoring effectiveness and safety.
