Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means managing daily challenges like joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. If traditional treatments haven’t provided lasting relief, infusion therapy could be the breakthrough solution you’ve been searching for.
At The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic we specialize in advanced infusion therapy to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help slow disease progression. Our expert team provides personalized, comfortable care in a welcoming environment. Schedule an appointment today to learn how infusion therapy can help you regain mobility and take control of your RA.
If you're looking for a more effective way to manage RA, infusion therapy may be the answer. Let’s explore how it works and what makes it a powerful option for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Understanding Infusion Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy joints, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and damage. While oral medications and lifestyle changes help manage RA, infusion therapy has become a game-changer for moderate to severe cases, or when other treatments don’t provide sufficient relief.
What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy delivers powerful RA medications directly into the bloodstream through an IV. These medications—including biologic drugs—target specific immune system components (such as T cells or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)) to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.
This targeted approach makes infusion therapy highly effective for:
- Moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis
- Severe RA that doesn’t respond to oral medications
- Improving mobility and quality of life
- Other inflammatory conditions like psoriatic arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis
How Biologics and Other Infused Medications Work
Biologic infusion medications are a central part of infusion therapy for RA. These highly specialized drugs are derived from living cells and designed to target specific molecules involved in the immune system's response. By doing so, they help regulate the overactive immune system that causes RA symptoms.
Here are some types of biologics commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis infusion treatments:
- TNF inhibitors: These medications block tumor necrosis factor, a protein that plays a key role in the inflammatory process. TNF inhibitors can help reduce swelling and prevent further joint damage in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.
- IL-6 blockers: These target interleukin-6, another protein involved in inflammation, and are often used for cases of severe rheumatoid arthritis.
- B-cell and T-cell inhibitors: These therapies either reduce the activity of B cells or block the activation of T cells, both of which contribute to RA flares.
These RA infusion medications differ in their mechanisms but share a common goal of reducing inflammation and preserving joint health. We will help you determine which medication is most appropriate based on your symptoms, treatment history, and overall health.
Infusion Therapy Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis
At The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic, we offer advanced infusion therapies tailored to help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve joint function. Key treatments include:
- Infliximab (Remicade, Renflexis, Avsola): Targets TNF-alpha to reduce swelling and prevent joint damage.
- Rituximab (Rituxan, Truxima, Ruxience): Aids patients unresponsive to TNF inhibitors by targeting B cells involved in inflammation.
- Simponi Aria: Provides long-term management through reduced stiffness and pain with infusions every eight weeks.
- Actemra (Tocilizumab): Blocks IL-6 receptors to combat inflammation in moderate to severe RA cases.
- Orencia (Abatacept): Prevents T-cell activation to slow disease progression and improve joint health.
Our team ensures treatments fit your unique needs, focusing on comfort and long-term relief. Reach out today to explore how infusion therapy can enhance your RA management.
What to Expect During an Infusion Session
For many, the idea of receiving IV infusion therapy can feel intimidating at first. But understanding what happens during a session can provide clarity and reassurance.
Preparation
Before your first infusion, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and discuss specific goals for your treatment. On the day of your appointment, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothing. Some patients like to bring snacks or a book, as sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the medication.
During the Procedure
During the infusion, you’ll be seated in a comfortable chair while the medication is administered through an IV in your arm. The team at The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic designs the treatment space with your comfort in mind, providing a calming environment and attentive care.
Infusion therapy is a relaxing experience for many patients. You might read, listen to music, or even take a nap while your medication is delivered. The process is supervised by trained medical professionals who are always ready to assist with any questions or concerns.
After the Session
Most patients can return to their normal activities shortly after their infusion. Some people may experience mild side effects such as fatigue, headache, or slight redness at the IV site. If these occur, your care team will discuss ways to manage them. Consistent communication between you and your healthcare providers is essential for adjusting your treatment plan if necessary.
Potential Benefits and Side Effects
Infusion therapy has been shown to improve the quality of life for many RA patients.
Benefits
The benefits of infusion therapy for rheumatoid arthritis are significant. Many patients experience improvements in their symptoms, including reduced joint pain, less swelling, and better mobility. Biologic infusions often provide longer-lasting relief compared to other medications, with the added convenience of infrequent dosing schedules (ranging from weeks to months).
When other treatments fail, IV infusion therapy can offer new hope for treating severely active RA. It’s also an excellent option for patients with conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis or those who can’t tolerate oral medications.
Potential Risks
While infusion treatments are highly effective, they aren’t without risks. Possible side effects include reactions at the infusion site, allergic responses, or increased susceptibility to infections due to the immune system’s suppression. These risks are carefully monitored by your medical team, who will guide you in recognizing and managing any concerns.
It’s important to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks, deciding together on the best rheumatoid arthritis treatment for you.
Tips for Managing RA with Infusion Therapy
RA infusion therapy can be a powerful tool for managing rheumatoid arthritis, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Combining infusion treatments with other strategies such as physical therapy, exercise, and stress management can help you live your best life while managing RA.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your infusion sessions:
- Communicate openly with your healthcare team about any symptoms or concerns.
- Keep track of your progress and report any changes to your provider.
- Practice self-care through healthy eating, regular exercise, and good sleep habits.
- Take medications on schedule and follow all instructions from your provider.
With regular monitoring and open communication between you and your care team, infusion therapy can be a valuable tool in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Trust that our providers have your best interests at heart and work together to find the most effective treatment plan for you.
Discover Relief with Infusion Therapy at Denver Arthritis Clinic
Infusion therapy offers a powerful way to manage rheumatoid arthritis, delivering targeted treatment that reduces inflammation and helps protect your joints. With personalized infusion plans and expert monitoring, you can find relief and regain control of your daily life.
Let The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic help you explore your best treatment options. Call 303 394 2828 or visit our website today to schedule your infusion therapy consultation. Relief is within reach, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
