Infusion Therapy Specialist

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy is a delivery method for medications. The process involves using a needle or catheter to administer liquid medications directly into your bloodstream. 

If you’ve ever received an IV while in the hospital or for general wellness, you’re familiar with the process. Infusion therapy also includes muscle injections and epidurals, which place medication directly into your spinal cord. 

When is infusion therapy necessary?

Some medications can’t be effectively processed through your digestive system. When you take a pill or capsule, your body has to break down the coating and the binders before it can begin to make use of the medication. 

Any food and beverages you consume before or immediately after taking oral medications can influence how your body absorbs those drugs. In many cases, a significant portion of a pill will pass through your system without being broken down at all. 

Consistency of dosing is a primary benefit of infusion therapy. Because the medications are added to a sterile saline solution and delivered directly into your veins, there’s no question that you’re receiving the intended volume of medication. 

What is the process for getting infusion therapy?

Getting infusion therapy is a simple process, although it can take some time to complete. When you arrive for your treatment, you’ll rest comfortably in the treatment chair. 

Your practitioner uses a needle to place a very thin tube into your vein. A small piece of tape secures the tubing in place, and then the other end is attached to an infusion bag. 

Your customized infusion solution slowly moves through the tube and into your vein, where it quickly integrates into your bloodstream. Depending on the type of treatment you’re having, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. 

Many people choose to spend this time relaxing. You can read a book, listen to music, or even catch up on email during your visit. There’s also nothing wrong with closing your eyes and resting during your infusion. 

What kinds of infusion therapy treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Numerous medications for rheumatoid arthritis are best administered through infusion therapy. Most work to control or reduce inflammation, which is a primary source of pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Abatacept, Infliximab, Rituximab, and Tocilizumab are all medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. 

Katy Rheumatology & Associates offers many different infusion medications used to treat the following conditions:

• Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Lupus
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Osteoporosis
• Vasculitis
• Ulcerative colitis

When you come in for a diagnostic exam, you’ll learn if infusion therapy is a good fit for your treatment plan. Learn more during your next visit, which you can book online or over the phone today.