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Infusion Therapy for Arthritis

Infusion therapy has become a pragmatic option for managing severe cases of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. By administering intravenous medications directly into the bloodstream and bypassing the digestive system, infusion allows for faster and more targeted effects. At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we specialize in biologic infusions using state-of-the-art techniques to reduce inflammation and prevent further joint damage — common complications of arthritis. 

Directly targeting inflammatory proteins in the immune system can help to alleviate symptoms more effectively than traditional oral medications. We offer advanced infusion therapy for arthritis, such as  REMICADE® (infliximab), ORENCIA® (abatacept), ACTEMRA® (tocilizumab), RITUXAN® (rituximab), CIMZIA® (certolizumab), SIMPONI® (golimumab), SIMPONI ARIA® (golimumab), TRUXIMA® (rituximab-abbs), AVSOLA® (infliximab-axxq), RENFLEXIS® (infliximab-abda), KEVZARA (sarilumab), and others. 

Choose infusion therapy at IDYLLIC for quicker relief of symptoms and improved quality of life!

Benefits of Infusion Therapy for Arthritis

Infusion therapy is a preferred method for treating RA and other autoimmune conditions as part of a comprehensive treatment. It offers several significant benefits that make it an appealing choice for patients struggling with severe and persistent symptoms.

  • Rapid symptom relief: Infusions provide medications directly into the bloodstream to target the likely underlying cause of the disease. This offers faster symptom relief compared to oral drugs.
  • Reduced gastrointestinal side effects: Since the medication bypasses the digestive system, patients typically experience fewer stomach-related side effects.
  • Increased medication efficacy: Higher concentrations of medication can be administered without the limitations of gastrointestinal absorption.
  • Customization of treatment: Infusion therapies are highly customizable, allowing medical professionals to adjust dosages based on a patient’s specific medical history and current health status.

Our state-of-the-art infusion centers ensure that you receive the appropriate RA medications under the supervision of qualified and highly trained registered nurses (RN) and other healthcare professionals who actively monitor your vital signs and provide necessary measures to make sure that your treatment is as safe and comfortable as possible. Additionally, because you get to skip the hassle of going to a hospital, outpatient infusion therapy generally takes less time and can be more cost-effective — so we can get you back to doing what you love most.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications Used in Infusion Therapy

At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we use a variety of biologic drugs specifically approved for IV therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. These medications target different aspects of the immune system to reduce inflammation and symptoms of arthritis. Here is a comprehensive list of the medications we commonly administer:

  • REMICADE® (infliximab): Targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key inflammatory protein in the immune response.
  • CIMZIA® (certolizumab) and SIMPONI ARIA® (golimumab): Are also anti-TNF agents that help to control inflammation.
  • ORENCIA® (abatacept): Modulates the activity of T cells to disrupt them from sending harmful signals to your joints.
  • ACTEMRA® (tocilizumab): Inhibits interleukin-6, a cytokine that triggers inflammation.
  • RITUXAN® (rituximab) and TRUXIMA® (rituximab-abbs): Target B cells, which are involved in the autoimmune response.

These medications, along with others such as AVSOLA® and RENFLEXIS® and several more, are used in IV therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. By utilizing these advanced biologic drugs, we aim to significantly reduce inflammation and enhance the quality of life for our patients.

Psoriatic Arthritis Medications Used in Infusion Therapy

At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we use specialized treatments for psoriatic arthritis that target specific pathways in the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage. Here’s a detailed overview of some key medications we use:

  • STELARA (ustekinumab): Targets interleukins 12 and 23, specific proteins involved in inflammatory and immune responses.
  • COSENTYX (secukinumab): Blocks interleukin-17A, a cytokine that plays a crucial role in inflammation and is linked to psoriatic arthritis.
  • ILUMYA (tildrakizumab): Target interleukin-23, another key player in the inflammatory pathway.
  • SPEVIGO (spesolimab): Focuses on different aspects of the immune response to reduce symptoms of psoriasis.
  • REMICADE® (infliximab): Targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key inflammatory protein in the immune response.
  • CIMZIA® (certolizumab) and SIMPONI ARIA® (golimumab): Are also anti-TNF agents that help to control inflammation.
  • ORENCIA® (abatacept): Modulates the activity of T cells to disrupt them from sending harmful signals to your joints.

Our treatments provide relief from joint pain, swelling, advanced joint damage, joint stiffness, skin involvement, and functional disability while reducing any other symptoms caused by immune system dysregulation. Most importantly, unlike older medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis, infusion treatments have the potential to provide substantial improvements in disease activity and improve the quality of life for those struggling with this autoimmune condition.

What to Expect During Your Infusion Treatment

When you arrive at IDYLLIC for infusion therapy, you’ll be greeted by a member of our compassionate staff who will walk you through the infusion process. 

We’ll begin with a consultation where we review your medical history, goals of therapy, lifestyle factors, symptoms, and many other aspects of your current clinical presentation to ensure the safety, appropriate dosing, and suitability for a particular infusion treatment are tailored to your specific needs. Then, you’ll be seated in a room equipped with amenities to enhance your comfort throughout the session, which can last several hours.

During the infusion, our team will closely monitor your progress and review the appropriate medication dosing with your ordering healthcare provider (as needed) to ensure that your ordering provider and IDYLLIC can communicate effectively. The first infusion usually takes longer as we carefully monitor for any reactions. Subsequent infusions may be quicker, depending on your response and comfort with the treatment. Our staff is trained to handle any situation and will be by your side to provide reassurance and care throughout the infusion session.

Potential Side Effects and How to Manage Them

While infusion therapy is generally safe, it is not without potential side effects. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and fatigue, while more severe reactions can involve an allergic reaction or changes in blood pressure. At IDYLLIC, your safety is our priority, and our healthcare team is equipped to manage any side effects that arise promptly and efficiently.

To minimize the risk of side effects, we monitor all patients closely during each infusion session. Our nursing staff is trained to recognize the early signs of an infusion reaction and can adjust the treatment as necessary or provide immediate medical intervention. By maintaining rigorous safety protocols and individualized patient monitoring, we ensure that infusion therapy remains as safe and effective as possible.

Why Should I Choose an Infusion Therapy Center Outside of the Hospital?

Quite simply, outpatient (meaning outside of the hospital) infusion therapy clinics offer patients a few distinct benefits that make their overall treatment far easier and likely more cost-effective.

First, our outpatient infusion centers have a vast array of flexible times and locations that have been designed to meet your schedule.  Whether this means that you prefer to have your treatment before, during, or after work, the timing and locations are not fixed and can be flexible based on your needs. Additionally, many patients find the more relaxed and intimate atmosphere of our infusion centers far more preferable than that of a large and cold hospital center.

Lastly, especially for patients with traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage, your infusions are likely covered under your medical plan (Part B).  As such, your out-of-pocket costs would be far lower (if at all) when compared to having copays/deductibles at the pharmacy each time.

Take the First Step Towards Relief — Schedule Your Rheumatoid or Psoriatic Arthritis Infusion Treatment Today!

If you are struggling with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis and looking for effective treatment options, consider infusion therapy at IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center. Taking the first step towards relief is easy. Start by speaking with your doctor or healthcare provider about whether infusion therapy is right for you. Once you have a referral, our team will help you schedule your first infusion and begin the journey to better health.

At IDYLLIC Infusion Therapy Centers, we are committed to providing personalized and compassionate care for arthritis patients. Our dedicated team of doctors and nurses will guide you through your infusion journey, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns about infusion therapy for rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis or any other condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your health and well-being are our top priorities!