Ankylosing Spondylitis Infusions

At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we understand the challenges that individuals with ankylosing spondylitis face on a daily basis — that’s why we are here to offer a comprehensive and patient-focused approach to managing this chronic inflammatory condition through infusion therapy. 

We offer advanced and targeted infusion treatments for ankylosing spondylitis infusions. Our center is equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by experienced healthcare professionals who are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care. Infusions for ankylosing spondylitis deliver medication directly into the bloodstream for faster and more effective treatment.

Infusion therapy is particularly beneficial for patients who have not responded well to conventional treatments. By administering drugs such as TNF inhibitors directly into the bloodstream, ankylosing spondylitis infusion treatment helps to significantly relieve inflammation, reduce pain, and improve spinal movement, enhancing the quality of life for our patients. 

Our mission is to provide you with the best possible care in a comfortable and supportive environment. With over 15 years of experience, we have been at the forefront of caring for patients with complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including AS.

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis significantly impacts one’s quality of life. It is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and peripheral joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. This condition often emerges in early adulthood and is more common in men. In some cases, the affected joints can become completely fused, leading to a rigid spine.  

The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the joints, possibly triggered by genetic factors. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, primarily in the spine and lower back, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Over time, the condition can cause the spine to become less flexible, resulting in a hunched-forward posture. Additionally, about 5 to 10% of AS cases are associated with inflammatory bowel disease, usually ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Traditional treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. However, these might not always help relieve active ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. If traditional treatments don’t work for you, speak with your doctor to determine if you’re eligible for biologic medications at IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center.

Benefits of Infusion Therapy for AS

Infusion therapy offers numerous benefits for patients with ankylosing spondylitis, particularly those who have not found relief from other treatments. The direct delivery of medication into the bloodstream provides a more controlled and efficient absorption, which can lead to:

• Reduced inflammation and pain: Direct infusion of anti-inflammatory medications helps to quickly decrease inflammation, easing pain and stiffness in affected joints.
• Enhanced mobility: With reduced inflammation, patients often experience an improvement in joint function and range of motion, particularly in the spine.
• Lower systemic side effects: Because the medication is targeted directly to the immune system or specific pathways of inflammation, there is typically a lower risk of systemic side effects compared to oral medications.

Common Infusion Medications for AS

At IDYLLIC, we provide cutting-edge infusion medications for a range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. While we can’t treat ankylosing spondylitis, IV therapy like REMICADE® (infliximab), SIMPONI ARIA® (golimumab), and CIMZIA® (certolizumab) can help relieve pain and other symptoms. 

All three medications are TNF inhibitors, which work by blocking the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), a substance in the body that causes inflammation and is associated with the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

Our clinical team is well-versed in administering a variety of infusion therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, including pediatric patients. Infusion reactions are possible side effects, and our skilled healthcare providers are equipped to manage any potential complications during your treatment.

How Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Infusion Treatment Work?

Infusion therapy for ankylosing spondylitis involves delivering targeted medications directly into the bloodstream to address the inflammation and pain associated with the disease. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are a class of biologic medications commonly used in AS treatment. These drugs suppress the immune system’s overactivity, reducing inflammation and slowing down disease progression. Clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy in managing symptoms and improving patients’ clinical response.

Preparing for Ankylosing Spondylitis Infusion Treatment

At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Before the infusion, you will meet with an experienced healthcare provider to discuss your medical history, treatment plan, and any concerns you may have. Once you arrive at the center, our friendly staff will guide you through the check-in process, ensuring you feel at ease.

The Infusion Process

When you arrive at IDYLLIC for your ankylosing spondylitis infusion, you will be greeted by our friendly staff and escorted to the treatment area. Our infusion suites are designed to maximize your comfort with amenities such as adjustable reclining chairs, personal entertainment systems, and access to Wi-Fi. A nurse will then prepare you for the infusion by placing an intravenous line in a vein in your arm, through which the medication will be administered.

The infusion itself typically takes several hours. During this time, you can relax in plush pillow-top recliners while enjoying amenities like personalized entertainment options, snacks, warm blankets, and more. Our nurses will monitor you throughout the process to ensure that the infusion is proceeding smoothly and to manage any immediate infusion reactions that may occur. The goal is to provide a peaceful and safe environment, allowing you to have the most positive and effective treatment experience possible.

Starting therapy is an important step in managing ankylosing spondylitis. Your healthcare provider will guide you through this process, ensuring that you receive the appropriate treatment plan tailored to your condition.

What to Expect During Your Ankylosing Spondylitis Infusion

Your ankylosing spondylitis infusion session may last from one to several hours, depending on the specific medication being administered. Throughout the infusion, you will be monitored by a supervising, on-site healthcare provider who will check your vital signs and ensure that the medication is being administered correctly without any adverse effects.

After the infusion, you’ll be observed for any signs of allergic reactions or other side effects. This post-infusion monitoring is crucial to ensure your safety and to address any immediate concerns before you leave the center. Our medical team will provide you with post-treatment care instructions and information on what to watch for once you are home. It’s common to experience some fatigue or mild discomfort, but most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the treatment.

Managing Side Effects of Infusion for Ankylosing Spondylitis

While infusion therapy for ankylosing spondylitis is generally safe, like all medical treatments, it can have potential side effects. At IDYLLIC, we are committed to providing comprehensive care, which includes managing any side effects effectively. Some of the more common side effects include:

• Mild infusion reactions: These can include fever, chills, nausea, headache, or rash. Our medical staff is equipped to manage these symptoms promptly during the infusion.
• Increased risk of infection: Since TNF inhibitors suppress the immune system, there is a heightened risk of infections. We monitor our patients closely for any signs of infection and provide guidelines on how to reduce this risk.
• Delayed allergic reactions: In rare cases, patients might experience delayed allergic reactions. We educate our patients on what symptoms to look out for, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling, and we provide immediate intervention if needed.

Your healthcare provider will discuss the possible risks and benefits of your treatment plan, ensuring you are well-informed and prepared. IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center stands out for its commitment to patient safety. We assign a supervising, on-site healthcare provider to every infusion, ensuring that you receive expert care and immediate attention should any concerns arise.

Insurance and Cost Considerations

Navigating the financial aspects of ankylosing spondylitis treatment can be challenging. At IDYLLIC, we are dedicated to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We work with a variety of insurance providers and offer assistance to help you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Our financial counselors are available to discuss payment plans and potential financial assistance programs to ensure that treatment is accessible.

Additionally, because our services are provided on an outpatient basis, they are typically more cost-effective than hospital-based infusion therapy. We strive to provide transparent pricing information so that you can focus on your treatment without worrying about unexpected costs.

Don’t Deal With Your Active Ankylosing Spondylitis Alone — Turn to IDYLLIC for the Best Infusion Center

IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center is your partner in managing active ankylosing spondylitis and other complex autoimmune conditions. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and specialists provides compassionate care in a state-of-the-art outpatient setting. We offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to hospital-based treatments, ensuring that you receive the best care while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

Experience the difference at IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, where your well-being is our priority. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you on your journey to managing ankylosing spondylitis and regaining your quality of life.