If you suffer from moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms, your typical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may not be powerful enough and corticosteroids can have dangerous side effects over time. Limitations with these medications leave you and your doctors with no great solution for preventing the long-term bone and joint damage that often comes with your condition. However, infusion medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis go beyond the capabilities of those oral drugs and bring hope for true remission.
Infusion treatments are administered directly into your bloodstream with the ability to target your inflammation at the source. This process results in better absorption of the treatment and, ultimately, a better outcome for your relief. Your doctor may recommend biologic infusion treatment to slow the progression of bone and joint damage as quickly as possible.
Biologic Infusion Medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis
One of your doctor’s biggest concerns is preservation of your joints to avoid irreversible damage. Therefore, you’re most likely already familiar with some form of DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). However, new biologic DMARDS delivered via injection or infusion therapy usually outperform those synthetic DMARDS in pill form.
Typically, oral drugs affect your entire immune system, causing exhaustion and other unwanted symptoms. However, biologics are able to focus solely on the parts of your immune system that trigger inflammation and cause discomfort and damage to your joints.
Various types of biologics target on a cellular level either proteins in your body or inflammatory chemicals that your body produces to diminish inflammation. Your doctors will determine which types of biologics will be most effective, which may include: B-cell inhibitors, Interleukin blockers (IL-1, IL-6, IL-17), Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAK), T-cell inhibitors, or Tumor Necrosis Factors inhibitors (TNF).
Common Brands of Rheumatoid Arthritis Infusion Drugs
These common brands of infusion and injectable medications are available through Option Care Health, a leader in Rheumatoid Arthritis infusion treatments with customized care protocols for home administration, travel infusion options, and convenient infusion suites.
- Cimzia
- Orencia
- Actemra
- Remicade
- Simponi
- Rituxan
Tab 1
A fast acting Biologic treatment that reduces stiffness, fatigue, and pain in as little as 1-2 weeks. Treatment regimen starts with 3 initial doses, followed by 1 injection every 4 weeks.
Tab 2
A T-cell modulator that can be used alongside other Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments. Therapy regimen starts with 3 initial doses followed by infusions every 4 weeks lasting 30 minutes each.
Tab 3
An Interleukin-6 blocker that focuses directly on the excess presence of I-6 in the joint fluid of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and is administered every 4 weeks for 1 hour.
Tab 2
A TNF inhibitor . Therapy regimen consists of 3 initial doses (induction), followed by maintenance dosing every 4-8 weeks depending on the severity of symptoms.
Tab 5
A TNF inhibitor that decreases inflammation and modifies bone metabolism. After 2 starter doses 4 weeks apart, doses are administered over 30 minutes every 8 weeks.
Tab 6
A B-cell inhibitor that binds to the CD20 protein. This therapy is typically infused every 2 weeks, however frequency will depend on the progression of your symptoms and condition.
Depending on the type of prescribed medication, these infusion therapy sessions will usually range from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The Earlier the Better
Rheumatologists approach care with an “earlier the better” method, as over time your inflammation can cause adverse effects and irreversible damage. The best preventative care for bone erosion, joint deformity and the need for major surgery is to find the best solution to slow your condition’s progression.
Infusion and injectable therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis will prevent further bone and joint damage, increase mobility and improve your ability to complete everyday tasks to maintain tight control of your RA. Studies indicate that the earlier you start an effective treatment, the more likely you will avoid detrimental joint damage and lead a normal lifestyle.