Multiple Sclerosis Infusion Therapy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a debilitating disease — but the right infusion treatment therapy can help you manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life again!
At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, we have been providing expert care for patients suffering from MS through advanced disease-modifying therapies that target immune cells directly.
Infusion therapy for MS treatments is a procedure where medications are administered intravenously, bypassing the digestive system to deliver higher medication concentrations straight to the brain and spinal cord to slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and reduce the frequency and severity of relapses or flare-ups. This is especially critical in multiple sclerosis, where the inflammation and damage are localized to the central nervous system.
Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to making your MS infusion sessions comfortable by providing helpful, knowledgeable, and compassionate care. Ask your neurologist if infusion therapy is right for you, then visit our state-of-the-art infusion center by calling (856)317-6104 or scheduling your first consultation online.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune condition that predominantly affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms. When the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve cells, it causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Over time, the affected nerves can deteriorate or become permanently damaged and manifest physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
The disease is categorized into four different categories:
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
- Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
- Primary progressive MS (PPMS)
Each type affects individuals differently, making personalized care crucial. At IDYLLIC, we provide tailored infusion treatments to match the specific needs of each patient.
The Benefits of Infusion for MS
Infusion therapy offers several significant benefits for treating multiple sclerosis. These include:
- Targeted Efficacy: Infusion therapies have shown effectiveness in treating multiple sclerosis by slowing down the progression of the disease and reducing the frequency of relapses. These treatments target the immune system’s reaction that leads to nerve cell damage, helping to preserve neurological function and relieve symptoms in patients with relapsing forms of MS.
- Reduced Side Effects: Because the treatment bypasses the gastrointestinal system, it generally leads to fewer systemic side effects compared to oral medications.
- Convenience: Infusions are administered at intervals ranging from a few weeks to several months, which means fewer doses compared to daily oral medication.
When your neurologist, along with our team, develops your treatment plan at IDYLLIC, each of these aspects is carefully considered to ensure the highest level of care and effectiveness in managing multiple sclerosis.
Types of Infusion Medications for MS
OCREVUS® (ocrelizumab) is clinically proven to be an effective infusion medication for treating multiple sclerosis at IDYLLIC. Approved for both primary progressive and relapsing forms of MS, OCREVUS® targets CD20-positive B cells, a type of immune cell that plays a key role in the pathological processes of MS. By depleting these cells, OCREVUS® helps to mitigate the inflammatory processes that contribute to disease progression and spinal cord damage.
The treatment with OCREVUS® typically involves an initial dose split into two infusions two weeks apart, followed by subsequent doses every six months. At IDYLLIC, our healthcare providers oversee every step of the OCREVUS® infusion process to give you peace of mind that you are receiving the optimal dose tailored to your active secondary progressive MS or other MS forms.
IV Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: Before, During, and After Treatment
Before starting IV therapy for multiple sclerosis, your neurologist will evaluate your condition and discuss the potential benefits and risks of infusion treatments. Our team will also conduct a detailed medical history review, ensure necessary diagnostic and blood tests are done, all in consultation with your primary healthcare providers.
During the infusion, you will receive the medication through an infusion pump, which delivers the prescribed dosage at a controlled rate under the care of one of our medical professionals. They will monitor your response in real-time and stay ready to manage any infusion reactions promptly.
Post-infusion, you may be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate infusion reactions or side effects. We’ll send you home with follow-up care instructions to manage any additional side effects.
Side Effects of Infusion Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
While infusion therapy for multiple sclerosis is generally well-tolerated, there can be certain side effects. These include:
- Infusion Reactions: These may occur during or shortly after the infusion and can include symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing. At IDYLLIC, all infusions are supervised by trained medical staff who are equipped to handle these reactions swiftly and effectively.
- Increased Risk of Infections: Some infusions can suppress parts of the immune system, causing a heightened risk of infections. Our team provides rigorous monitoring for early signs of infection and comprehensive guidelines on how to reduce this risk.
- Rare Brain Infection: Though extremely rare, treatments like OCREVUS® have been associated with a rare brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Education is an important part of your infusion journey here at IDYLLIC, so one of our certified nurses will explain everything you need to know about the signs and symptoms of PML and maintain vigilant follow-up care to catch any potential issues early.
These potential side effects are carefully managed with proactive measures and close monitoring, ensuring that the benefits of infusion therapy treatments significantly outweigh the risks for our patients.
Ready to Start IV Treatments for MS? IDYLLIC Is Here to Help!
If you’re considering IV treatments for multiple sclerosis, IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center is ready to assist you. We adhere to the best clinical practices and exceed rigorous standards to deliver services that improve patients’ lives and eliminate the challenges and costs associated with hospital-based treatments.
With our comprehensive approach to care, state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of dedicated professionals, we are equipped to provide you with the best possible infusion therapy. Our healthcare professionals are committed to developing personalized treatment plans that cater to your specific needs and health goals.
We understand that treating MS is a long-term commitment, and our goal is to make your journey as comfortable and effective as possible. Contact your neurologist today to learn more about how our infusion treatments can help you manage your multiple sclerosis and improve your quality of life.