Infusion therapy refers to the delivery of medication directly into the veins of a patient. This is also known as IV therapy or Intravenous administration. Many new and effective medications (Biologic medication) cannot be taken orally like a pill, because they become inactive once exposed to the digestive system.
An infusion center is a physical location where infusion/injectable medications are routinely administered under the supervision of a healthcare provider (Medical Doctor and Nurse Practitioner). Infusion Centers are more commonly found in the specialties such as Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, and others.
Complex biologics are highly selective medications that act on one specific part of the immune system to regulate its activity. These medications do not permanently alter the immune system.
At Overlake arthritis and osteoporosis center, we treat autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions some of which require treatment with biologic medication: Rheumatoid Arthritis Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Psoriatic arthritis Giant cell arteritis (Temporal arteritis) Ankylosing spondylitis Wegener's vasculitis (ANCA-associated vasculitis) Crohn's Disease Chronic plaque psoriasis Osteoporosis Uveitis
Infusion therapy is not better than taking pills. Getting medication by infusions provides an effective alternative when pill forms are not available or are ineffective.
The decision to start an infusion therapy is determined by your physician. There is no, "one size fits all" approach. Each person's unique circumstances will determine the best option for managing their medical conditions and improving that patient's quality of life.
Side effects of some medication during infusions include itching, rash, hives, fever, chills, cough, redness in the face or neck area, swelling of the tongue, lips or eyelids, nausea, muscle or joint pain. Although these allergic reactions may occur, they are rare. Our physicians and registered nurses are well trained to manage any reactions to medication.
Infusion/Biologic Medication Benlysta (belimumab) Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) Entyvio (vedolizumab) Krystexxa (pegloticase) Orencia (abatacept) Prolia (denosumab) Remicade (infliximab) Renflexis (infliximab-adba) Rituxan (rituxmab) Simponi Aria (golimunab) Stelara (ustekinumab Truxima (ritiximab-abbs) Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw)
There are a number of biologic medications that are effective for treating Rheumatoid arthritis. There is no "one size fits all". You and your rheumatologist will determine which biologic medication will work best for your unique medical condition.
The infusion is administered by injecting a needle attached to a small tube directly into one of the patient’s arm veins. This tube is connected to an IV bag containing the prescribed medication. Once attached to the patient's arm, the solution slowly drips into the bloodstream.