Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Infusion Therapy

Living with a chronic illness like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can feel overwhelming. In Crohn’s disease, one form of IBD, the lining of the small and large intestines becomes inflamed and highly irritated. In ulcerative colitis, inflammation and sores develop in the inner lining of the large intestine, and sometimes, in the rectum. Both can imprison someone with chronic and uncomfortable symptoms — abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea — that can come and go unexpectedly.

Infusion treatments can help patients manage these symptoms and maintain remission, especially those who don’t find relief through oral medications.

At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we have a team of elite physicians and certified nurses dedicated to providing personalized care. Working alongside your gastroenterologist, we’ll develop a treatment plan to help reduce inflammation and control symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. You’ll feel like a brand new person with IBD infusion treatments!

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract, causing inflammation and damage.

Most of the body’s immune system lives in the gut. Scientists now hypothesize that chronic inflammation in the digestive tract may damage the immune system and cause it to launch an inappropriate inflammatory response in the spine or joints. The resulting diseases are called IBD-associated arthritis, which develops with or after a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

The two primary types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Weight loss that does not resolve in a few weeks
Diarrhea
Rectal bleeding

IBD-related arthritis can start as mild low back or spinal pain. Knee pain or discomfort in the hips, shoulders, and in some cases, the heel, knee, buttocks, and foot are also common.

Types of Infusion Medications for IBD

At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we offer a variety of infusion medications to help manage inflammatory bowel diseases. Each medication targets specific pathways in the immune system to reduce intestinal inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

REMICADE® (infliximab): REMICADE® is a biologic medication that targets and inhibits a protein called TNF alpha. By blocking this protein, REMICADE® helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. It is commonly used to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in patients who have not responded well to other medications.
CIMZIA® (certolizumab): CIMZIA®, another anti-TNF medication, is specifically designed to provide sustained relief from IBD symptoms.
STELARA® (ustekinumab): STELARA® blocks two specific proteins, interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), which play crucial roles in the inflammatory process.
ENTYVIO® (vedolizumab): ENTYVIO® targets a specific protein involved in the movement of white blood cells into the gut tissue. Inhibiting this protein can reduce the inflammation caused by an overactive immune system.

Each biologic therapy is administered by our skilled nursing staff, so you can have peace of mind that you’re receiving the highest level of care and support during your treatment.

How Is IBD-Associated Arthritis Treated?

The most important way to get IBD-related arthritis under control is to treat the underlying Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Commonly prescribed medications for IBD associated arthritis include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, methotrexate to modify disease symptoms and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists to fight the protein that causes inflammation.

Good nutrition and creating a healthy lifestyle are measures someone can take to improve their physical and mental well-being.

That said, IBD-related arthritis left untreated or inappropriately treated, can cause permanent joint damage. Joint replacement surgery or other forms of joint surgery may be needed to restore function.

Preparing for Your Infusion Treatment

Before starting treatment, our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your visit. It’s important to us that you feel comfortable before and during your IBD infusion.

During your initial consultation, you will meet with an infusion specialist to discuss your treatment plan and address any concerns. On the day of your infusion, it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and bring items that can help pass the time. We have Wi-Fi, individualized TV or tablet, snacks, and beverages to help you have the best experience here. The actual infusion process can take a few hours, during which you will be monitored closely by our skilled nursing staff.

Side Effects of Infusion Therapy

While infusion therapies are generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience side effects. Common side effects include mild reactions such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. More serious but rare side effects can include allergic reactions, infections, and changes in blood pressure. Our team is trained to manage these side effects and will take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Get Expert Care at IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center

At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care and innovative infusion therapies for patients with complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Our dedicated team of board-certified specialists will work alongside your gastroenterologist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition.