Living with lupus can be a difficult and unpredictable experience. From fatigue to joint pain and swelling, this chronic disease can be hard to manage. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help patients manage their symptoms, reduce the frequency of flare-ups, and improve their quality of life. One such option is infusion therapy.
At Smart Infusion Therapy Services, we specialize in providing infusion therapy in a comfortable environment to patients experiencing a wide range of conditions, including lupus. In this blog post, we'll take a look at how infusion therapy can help lupus patients and provide them with symptom relief.
Overview of Lupus and Its Symptoms
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that, according to the Lupus Foundation of America, affects more than 5 million people worldwide. Although this chronic disease has multiple forms, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common. Like other autoimmune diseases, lupus causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues. This can lead to widespread inflammation, which can cause joint pain and muscle aches. Other common symptoms of lupus include chest pain, fatigue, fever, rashes, and sensitivity to sunlight.
Typically, lupus is diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, lab tests, and imaging. No single test can diagnose lupus, but certain lab tests can help rule out other conditions. After diagnosis, treatment plans vary from patient to patient; however, infusion therapy for lupus is often recommended.
How Infusion Therapy Can Help with Lupus
Patients and their doctors may seek out infusion therapy treatment for any number of reasons, from treating a specific condition to avoiding oral medications. Infusion therapy works by delivering medication directly into the bloodstream, which allows the medication to take effect more quickly and often more effectively than oral medications.
For lupus patients, infusion therapy offers several benefits, like:
- Effectiveness: Infusion therapy can deliver high concentrations of medications directly into the bloodstream, which allows for faster and more effective treatment of lupus symptoms, including inflammation and pain.
- Reduced Side Effects: Some patients are unable to tolerate oral treatment, often as a result of gastrointestinal side effects. With infusion therapy, the medication is given directly into the bloodstream which helps to bypass these side effects.
- Convenience: At Smart Infusion Therapy Services, we offer infusion treatments in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to receive treatment without visiting the hospital. Plus, with high-speed WiFi and access to Netflix, our infusion centers provide a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Infusion therapy can be tailored by the referring provider to meet the unique needs of each lupus patient, taking into account factors like the severity of their disease, response to previous treatments, and individual preferences.
Types of Infusions Used to Treat Lupus
The two most common IV infusion medications we use at Smart Infusion Therapy Services for our lupus patients are Benlysta and Saphnelo. These treatments are both FDA-approved to treat lupus and are typically used with other lupus medications. Though they achieve these results in different ways, both treatments seek to reduce symptoms of lupus and help improve the patient's quality of life.
The most common side effect of these medications is allergic reactions during or after treatment. Smart Infusion is proud to provide a safe environment for patients under our care in cases of reactions or side effects, and our team has the expertise to provide the necessary care and support in such situations.
What to Expect During an Infusion Treatment Session
At Smart Infusion Therapy Services, we strive to make your infusion therapy session comfortable and convenient. With a 3:1 nurse-to-patient ratio, private rooms, snacks, and beverages, our goal is to make your infusion treatment as stress-free, enjoyable, and effective as possible. In addition to comfort, safety is also a top priority during your infusion treatment. Before the start of your treatment, you'll need an order from your primary care doctor or specialist. If you need assistance, we'll be happy to help coordinate a referral to ensure you can start receiving the treatment you need as quickly as possible.
Are you ready to find out what infusion therapy can do for you? Schedule with Smart Infusion Therapy Services today and fill out our simple patient registration form to get started on your journey to better health. We look forward to seeing you!
