Infusion Therapy a Better Way to Manage Autoimmune Disorders and Chronic Illnesses

There are more than 100 known autoimmune disorders and chronic illnesses that often require long-term management strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life. Traditionally, many of these conditions have been treated with daily oral medications. However, advancements in medical treatments have introduced infusion therapy as an effective alternative.

Infusion therapy involves administering medication directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line, providing several benefits, including improved medication absorption, reduced frequency of administration, and prolonged symptom relief. Infusion therapy treatments have proven helpful in patients with diseases such as Crohn’s disease and UC, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with these conditions often experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, significantly impacting their quality of life. Infusion therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for managing IBD, particularly with newer medications like Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Omvoh (vedolizumab).
. Skyrizi (Risankizumab): Skyrizi is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-23 (IL-23), a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission in patients with Crohn’s disease. The convenience of Skyrizi lies in its dosing schedule, administered as a subcutaneous injection every eight weeks after the initial three infusion doses. This reduces the burden of daily medication adherence and offers sustained symptom relief.
. Omvoh (Vedolizumab): Omvoh, another monoclonal antibody, explicitly targets the α4β7 integrin, which is involved in the migration of inflammatory cells to the gut. Vedolizumab has shown significant efficacy in both inducing and maintaining remission in patients with Ulcerative Colitis. It is administered a subcutaneous injection every eight weeks after the initial three infusion doses, providing a long-term solution for UC management with fewer administrations than daily pills.

Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and cognitive difficulties. Infusion therapies, including Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), Briumvi (ublituximab), and Tysabri (natalizumab), have revolutionized the treatment landscape for MS by offering potent disease-modifying effects.
. Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab): Ocrevus is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20-positive B cells, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MS. It is the first and only therapy approved for both relapsing and primary progressive forms of MS. Administered as an infusion every six months after initial induction dosing, Ocrevus has been shown to significantly reduce relapse rates and slow disease progression, providing patients with a convenient and effective treatment option.
. Briumvi (Ublituximab): Briumvi is another anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated efficacy in reducing MS relapses. Its unique dosing regimen, with infusions every six months after initial induction dosing, aligns with patients’ needs for fewer hospital visits while maintaining robust disease control. Clinical trials have highlighted its potential in reducing disability progression, making it a valuable addition to the MS treatment arsenal.
. Tysabri (Natalizumab): Tysabri works by inhibiting the migration of immune cells into the central nervous system, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing relapses. Administered as a monthly infusion, Tysabri has been shown to significantly decrease relapse rates and improve quality of life for patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Its targeted mechanism of action provides an effective alternative to oral medications, especially for patients who have not responded well to other treatments.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential joint damage. Infusion therapy with Rituxan (rituximab) offers a viable treatment option for patients with RA, particularly those who have not responded to traditional oral medications.
. Rituxan (Rituximab): Rituxan is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-positive B cells, reducing the immune system’s attack on the joints. It is administered as two infusions separated by two weeks, followed by maintenance doses every six months. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing disease activity and improving physical function, providing a sustained therapeutic effect with fewer infusions compared to daily pills.

Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common condition characterized by low levels of iron, leading to fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function. For patients who do not tolerate oral iron supplements or require rapid iron replacement, infusion therapy with Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose) and Venofer (iron sucrose) is an effective alternative.
. Monoferric (Ferric Derisomaltose): Monoferric is an intravenous iron formulation that allows for high-dose iron administration in a single infusion. It is particularly beneficial for patients with severe IDA or those who need quick correction of iron levels. Clinical trials have shown its safety and efficacy in increasing hemoglobin levels and improving symptoms of anemia.
. Venofer (Iron Sucrose): Venofer is another intravenous iron therapy that has been widely used for treating IDA. It is administered in multiple infusions, depending on the severity of iron deficiency. Venofer offers a well-tolerated and effective option for patients who cannot achieve adequate iron levels with oral supplements alone.

Other Autoimmune Disorders
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy treats various autoimmune disorders, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), myasthenia gravis, and lupus. IVIG involves administering pooled immunoglobulins from healthy donors to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.
. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): IVIG therapy has been shown to be effective in stabilizing and improving symptoms in patients with various autoimmune disorders. The frequency of infusions depends on the specific condition and patient response, ranging from monthly to every few weeks. IVIG provides a versatile treatment option, especially for patients who have not responded well to other therapies or oral medications.

Talk to your Doctor
Infusion therapy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and chronic illnesses. With infusion therapy, patients can benefit from reduced oral medication frequency, improved adherence, and effective disease management. If you are considering infusion therapy, it is necessary to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Early intervention and appropriate management can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals living with these conditions.

Sage Infusion Can Help
Sage Infusion provides expert patient-centered infusion care in a contemporary boutique environment. We offer infusion treatments to patients and will coordinate care with the referring physician, including insurance authorization and patient progress updates. Our flexible scheduling meets our patient’s needs with extended hours. Day, night, and weekend appointments are available. Our Nurse Practitioners follow the National Infusion Center Association guidelines and our proprietary clinical protocols. Sage Infusion offers a variety of comforting amenities, and patients can choose to receive treatment in the open lounge or a private room.

From a quick start to upfront pricing and financial assistance to compassionate care by our clinical experts in a serene environment, you will experience infusion therapy like never before. Sage Infusion offers the best infusion and administration facilities in the Sunshine State with eight locations – Brandon, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, The Villages Lake Sumter, and The Villages Spanish Springs. *Individual patient results may vary.

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sageinfusion.com/swwellness
Lake Sumter | 910 Old Camp Rd Suite 196,
The Villages, FL 32162 | (352) 565-5553
Spanish Springs | 8550 NE 138th Ln, Suite 502,
Lady Lake, FL 32159 | (352) 810-3536

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/infusion-therapy
https://www.honorhealth.com/healthy-living/what-you-need-know-about-
infusion-therapy