Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of diseases that includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, affects about 1 in every 250 people. Ulcerative colitis, specifically, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum that can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. It is a lifelong condition with no known cure, but it can be managed through various treatment methods.
One treatment option that has been proven to be effective in improving symptoms and achieving remission for ulcerative colitis patients is infusion therapy. At Smart Infusion Therapy Services, we are proud to provide infusion therapy for patients with ulcerative colitis and other chronic diseases. Schedule an appointment with us today to see how we can help you reach remission and improve your quality of life.
If you or a loved one is dealing with ulcerative colitis and you're interested in learning more about infusion therapy, read on to discover the vital role it plays in helping patients reach remission.
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the digestive tract. The disease might be localized to the rectum, the lower, S-shaped sigmoid colon, or the entire colon, varying significantly from person to person.
This results in inflammation and ulcers, which can lead to several distressing symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common ulcerative colitis symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, urgency to defecate, and unintended weight loss.
The exact causes of ulcerative colitis are not fully understood, but factors such as genetics, environmental triggers, and a malfunctioning immune system are believed to play a role in its development. There are risk factors that can increase an individual's chances of developing ulcerative colitis, such as a family history of the disease, previous infections in the gut, and certain lifestyle habits like smoking.
In addition, those with ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing serious complications like colon cancer, especially if the entire colon is involved. For this reason, the importance of early diagnosis and management of ulcerative colitis cannot be overstated.
Once diagnosed, typically via stool and blood tests, proper management and treatment strategies can help a patient go into remission, which can protect the colon from further damage and prevent the onset of colon cancer and other digestive and kidney diseases. Early and effective treatment can help patients lead healthier, more comfortable lives, highlighting the crucial role of healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing this challenging condition.
Exploring Infusion Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis
Infusion therapy, also known as intravenous therapy or IV therapy, is a treatment method that delivers medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream through a needle or catheter. This method allows for faster absorption and can be beneficial for patients with ulcerative colitis who may have trouble absorbing nutrients from food due to inflammation in their digestive tract.
For ulcerative colitis specifically, infusion therapy involves administering medications directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This can be especially beneficial for patients with severe cases of ulcerative colitis or those who do not respond well to traditional oral medication.
At Smart Infusion, we provide various medications via infusion therapy to target and reduce inflammation in the colon, allowing for healing and symptom relief. Some common medications used in infusion therapy for ulcerative colitis include:
- Skyrizi IV: An IV infusion therapy specifically approved for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis. This treatment aims to target the underlying causes of inflammation in the colon, providing a pathway to remission.
- Cimzia: This biologic therapy is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. It can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms for patients with moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis.
- Remicade: A potent IV infusion medication designed for the management of adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older suffering from moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
- Entyvio: Focused on treating adult patients with active moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, Entyvio directly combats the inflammation that characterizes these conditions.
- Avsola: Indicated as a maintenance therapy, Avsola supports adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have not found relief through standard treatment options. It represents an advanced biologic agent, providing a new avenue for managing the disease.
- Inflectra: A biosimilar agent that has been approved for treating adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and psoriatic arthritis. Inflectra offers an alternative for patients seeking effective therapy, especially when other treatments have fallen short.
- Stelara SQ and Stelara IV: Both forms of Stelara, whether as a subcutaneous injection (SQ) or intravenous infusion (IV), are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.
- Renflexis: This intravenous formulation is used for the induction and maintenance of clinical remission in both adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. It's particularly suited for patients whose disease has not responded adequately to conventional therapy, offering an additional option for managing their condition.
Each of these therapies provides a path to better management and potential remission of ulcerative colitis, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans in achieving the best outcomes for patients.
The Process of Infusion Therapy
Appointments can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the medication being delivered. This means that choosing a center that is accessible and convenient for you can make a significant difference in your overall treatment experience.
At Smart Infusion, we have three convenient locations across Wisconsin in Eau Claire, Wausau, and Madison. With our flexible scheduling options and comfortable infusion centers, you can feel at ease while receiving your treatment. Plus, our amenities, such as comfortable seating, WiFi, Hulu, and snacks and beverages, are designed to make your infusion sessions feel more like a relaxing break rather than a medical procedure.
And with our 3:1 nurse-to-patient ratio, you can be sure that you'll receive our full attention and care throughout your treatment. Our experienced and compassionate nurses are trained in managing infusion therapy for various conditions, including ulcerative colitis, and continuously monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety and comfort.
How to Get Started with Smart Infusion
If you're considering infusion therapy for your ulcerative colitis, the first step is to consult with your gastroenterologist and discuss if this treatment option is suitable for you. If so, our team at Smart Infusion will follow your doctor's orders and work closely with them to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Our goal is to make infusion therapy as convenient and comfortable as possible for our patients. With our experienced team, state-of-the-art facilities, and personalized approach to care, you can trust Smart Infusion to provide the best possible treatment for your ulcerative colitis. Contact us today to learn more, or schedule your first appointment and take the first step towards a better quality of life!
Are you ready to find out what infusion therapy can do for you? Request an appointment with Smart Infusion Therapy Services today and get started on your journey to better health. We look forward to seeing you!
