Infusion therapy is one of the advanced treatment options used for rheumatoid arthritis. However, receiving medicines through an intravenous (IV) infusion can be unfamiliar for many patients. So, it is not surprising that people with rheumatoid arthritis often have questions about this type of treatment. Today, we explain what you can expect from infusion therapy.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis – What Is Infusion Therapy All About?
Before explaining what IV therapy for rheumatoid arthritis involves, let’s take a step back and look at some of the main types of medicines used to manage the condition. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic DMARDs.
Biologics target specific proteins or pathways involved in inflammation, helping reduce joint inflammation and slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Although biologics cannot cure the disease, they can help reduce symptoms and limit joint damage in many patients.
Many biologic DMARDs are available as injectable or infusion treatments. Unlike conventional oral medicines, biologic medicines are proteins that generally cannot be taken by mouth because they would be broken down during digestion.
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What Can Infusion Therapy Do?
A key benefit of infusion therapy is that biologic DMARDs can specifically target parts of the immune system involved in rheumatoid arthritis. These medicines can help reduce inflammation and may slow the progression of joint damage.
Infusion therapy is usually prescribed when rheumatoid arthritis is not adequately controlled with conventional DMARDs or when a biologic medicine is considered appropriate by a healthcare professional. Medicines such as methotrexate (Trexall), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and leflunomide (Arava) may be used before or alongside certain biologic treatments, depending on the patient’s condition.
The specific treatment plan varies from person to person. Your rheumatologist will consider factors such as disease activity, previous treatments, other health conditions, and the potential benefits and risks of the medicine.
Where Is the Infusion Therapy Administered?
Infusion medicines for rheumatoid arthritis are generally administered in a hospital, infusion center, or doctor’s office under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. Patients should not attempt to administer these medicines themselves at home unless a healthcare professional has specifically prescribed an appropriate home-based treatment.
The equipment and facilities in each infusion room may differ, but they generally aim to keep patients comfortable and allow healthcare professionals to monitor them during treatment.
You may find lounge chairs, blankets, pillows, and other amenities in many infusion centers. Depending on the treatment and facility, you may be able to read, watch television, or use a computer during the infusion. Some centers may also allow a family member or friend to accompany you.
How Long Does Infusion Therapy Last?
The infusion time can vary considerably depending on the specific medicine, dosage, treatment schedule, and how well the patient tolerates the infusion. Some infusions may take around 30 minutes, while others can take several hours.
For example, certain biologic medicines may be administered over approximately 30 minutes, while others may require a longer infusion period. The healthcare team will tell you how long your particular treatment is expected to take.
You may also need to remain at the facility for additional monitoring before or after the infusion, especially when receiving a medicine for the first time.
What Are the Side Effects of Infusion Therapy?
As with other medicines, biologic treatments can cause side effects. Some patients may experience mild infusion-related reactions, such as redness, itching, pain, or swelling. Other possible side effects can include headache, nausea, fatigue, or changes in blood pressure.
More serious reactions can occur in some patients. These may include severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, significant changes in blood pressure, or other complications. Biologic medicines can also affect the immune system and may increase the risk of certain infections.
Your healthcare team will monitor you during the infusion and provide instructions about symptoms that require medical attention. Tell your healthcare provider about any unusual symptoms you experience during or after treatment.
Conclusion
Infusion therapy can be an effective treatment option for some people with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly when the condition is not adequately controlled with other medicines. Biologic therapies can target specific immune pathways involved in inflammation and may help reduce symptoms and slow joint damage.
The choice between infusion therapy, oral medicines, injections, or other treatments depends on your individual condition and should be discussed with a rheumatologist. Infusion therapy may also be a suitable option for patients who prefer supervised treatment rather than administering certain medicines themselves at home.
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