According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1.5 million people in the United States. This chronic autoimmune disease causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to severe joint pain, stiffness, and damage. People with rheumatoid arthritis often struggle with daily tasks and may have difficulty participating in activities they enjoy.
However, with the right treatment plan, managing your arthritis symptoms and improving your overall quality of life is possible.
One treatment option that has been proven effective for many people living with rheumatoid arthritis is infusion therapy, and at Smart Infusion Therapy Services, we are dedicated to helping our patients find relief and improve their outlook on life.
If you're tired of letting rheumatoid arthritis control your life, it might be time to consider infusion therapy. Our Smart Infusion staff is here to support you every step of the way.
So, how does infusion therapy work, and what can you expect from the process? Let's dive deeper into the details:
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue in the joints, primarily the lining of your joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. This ongoing process leads to chronic pain, making even simple movements difficult. The symptoms can include painful, aching, or stiff joints, which are most noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
One common trigger for RA symptoms is cold weather, which can exacerbate the stiffness and pain associated with the condition. However, other triggers can vary from person to person and may include stress, certain foods or medications, and hormonal changes.
Living with RA can significantly impact one's quality of life. The chronic pain and fatigue associated with the condition can make everyday tasks seem insurmountable. Activities once enjoyed may become difficult or impossible to participate in. The resulting physical limitations can lead to emotional strain, feelings of frustration, and social withdrawal.
What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy involves administering medication directly into the bloodstream through an IV. This method allows for faster and more efficient delivery of medication, providing quicker relief from symptoms compared to oral medications. For individuals struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, this means reducing inflammation and relieving painful joints more effectively.
For rheumatoid arthritis patients, infusion therapy works by introducing potent medications that help suppress the immune system's abnormal response. At Smart Infusion, treatments are administered in a comfortable and relaxing environment, with qualified professionals monitoring the process to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Several medications have been approved for use in infusion therapy to manage RA symptoms. At Smart Infusion, we offera range of effective treatments for RA, including:
- Cimzia: Subcutaneous injection that reduces joint pain, swelling, and stiffness by blocking certain proteins.
- Remicade: Intravenous medication for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that blocks proteins that cause inflammation, easing joint pain and stiffness.
- Ruxience: Intravenous treatment for active rheumatoid arthritis in adults that reduces pain and swelling by preventing B-cells from producing inflammatory molecules.
- Avsola: Medication for active rheumatoid arthritis that is used with other medications to slow disease progression and relieve pain and swelling.
- Truxima: Therapy for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults that works by stopping B-cells from producing inflammatory molecules.
- Inflectra: Biologic therapy for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis that reduces inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Actemra: Medication for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults that blocks IL-6 to ease arthritis pain, swelling, and fatigue, and to slow disease activity.
- Orencia: Treats moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults, reduces inflammation, making movement easier by preventing B-cells from producing inflammatory molecules.
- Rituxan: Biologic therapy for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults who haven't responded to other treatments. It inhibits certain white blood cells to lower inflammation and keep your joints working.
- Simponi Aria: Intravenous medication for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults that reduces inflammation, pain, and stiffness by preventing the immune system from attacking joint tissues.
- Renflexis: Intravenous therapy for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults that lowers inflammation, pain, and aching joints by preventing the immune system from attacking joint tissues.
Benefits of Infusion Therapy for RA
Infusion therapy offers several key benefits for individuals battling rheumatoid arthritis. Among the most notable advantages are significant pain relief and reduced inflammation. By delivering medication directly into the bloodstream, infusion therapy ensures that potent, fast-acting drugs reach affected areas more efficiently than oral treatments. This can help keep your joints healthier and more mobile, making daily tasks and favorite activities far more manageable.
Medications like Remicade, Rituxan, and Actemra have been specifically designed to target inflammation, relieve pain, and reduce the stiffness that can make movement difficult. When compared to other treatments, such as oral medications or physical therapy alone, infusion therapy often proves to be more effective for severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
While oral medications can take time to work and may not provide sufficient relief, infusion therapy's direct delivery method accelerates the treatment process. An exercise program from a physical therapist is still a vital component of a comprehensive treatment plan, but pairing these with infusion therapy can provide a more holistic approach to managing RA symptoms.
The Infusion Therapy Process
Infusion therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is a straightforward process. After consulting with your doctor and determining that infusion therapy is the right course of treatment for you, your healthcare provider will create an individualized treatment plan.
Upon arriving at one of our three convenient Wisconsin locations in Eau Claire,Wausau, orMadison, you'll check in at the front desk. Our friendly staff will greet you and help with any paperwork or questions. Before your infusion begins, a nurse will review your medical history and current medications. This ensures that there are no contraindications and that the chosen therapy will be safe and effective.
Once preparations are complete, a nurse will insert a small IV catheter into a vein in your arm. This process is quick and designed to be as comfortable as possible. Your medication is then delivered through the IV. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the type of medication and dosage required.
Each of our infusion centers provides comfortable seating, access to WiFi, Hulu, and amenities like snacks and beverages. These features are designed to make your infusion sessions feel more like a relaxing break rather than a medical procedure.
During the infusion, a nurse will monitor you closely to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly. At Smart Infusion, we boast a 3:1 nurse-to-patient ratio, ensuring that each patient receives the utmost care and attention.
After the infusion is complete, you'll be observed for a short period to ensure there are no adverse reactions. If all goes well, you're free to leave and go about your day as normal. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled as needed to continue monitoring your progress and adjust treatment plans if necessary.
Schedule Your Infusion Appointment Today
At Smart Infusion, we understand the challenges of living with rheumatoid arthritis and are committed to providing exceptional care to improve our patient's quality of life. Our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
If you or a loved one are living with rheumatoid arthritis and want to explore infusion therapy as a treatment option, contact us today torequest an appointment. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss how infusion therapy can help you manage your RA symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
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