Managing psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging, but advancements in medical treatments are providing new hope for those living with these chronic conditions. Intravenous (IV) therapy has emerged as a game-changer in managing autoimmune diseases, offering effective relief and improving quality of life. T
Residents in Marietta and Lawrenceville now have access to cutting-edge care options like IV therapy to help combat the symptoms of both psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Let us explore how IV therapy, including treatments like Remicade (Infliximab) and Stelara (Ustekinumab), can help reduce inflammation, alleviate joint pain, and support better overall well-being.
What Are Psoriatic and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition often associated with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disorder. It causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue, as well as changes in nails and swelling in fingers and toes. Without proper care, it can lead to joint damage and mobility issues.
Rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disease, causes the immune system to attack joint linings, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint deformities over time. Like psoriatic arthritis, it requires early and consistent treatment to prevent long-term complications.
Both conditions can significantly affect daily life, making timely and effective treatment critical for managing symptoms and preserving mobility.
How IV Therapy Helps
IV therapy is a treatment that delivers medications directly into the bloodstream. This method ensures fast and targeted relief, particularly for autoimmune conditions like psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. By reducing inflammation and regulating the immune response, IV therapy can alleviate the joint pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with these conditions.
Patients increasingly turn to IV therapy for its convenience and effectiveness. Administered under medical supervision, it offers precise dosing and faster results compared to oral or topical medications, making it an ideal option for those managing chronic arthritis symptoms.
If you are living with psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis in Marietta or Lawrenceville, IV therapy could be the advanced treatment option you need to regain control of your health and improve your quality of life.
IV Therapy Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
The following are the key IV therapies used for psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Remicade
Remicade (Infliximab) is a biologic medication commonly prescribed for psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein in the body that contributes to inflammation. Reducing TNF-alpha levels minimizes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Administered via IV infusion, Remicade treatments are typically given every six to eight weeks. While some patients may notice immediate symptom relief, others may require three to five doses before achieving significant improvement.
Receiving regular infusions as prescribed by your healthcare provider can help keep symptoms under control.
Stelara
Stelara (Ustekinumab) is another biologic medication used to treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike Remicade, which targets TNF-alpha, Stelara works by blocking interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), two proteins that contribute to inflammation and immune system dysfunction.
By targeting these specific pathways, Stelara helps reduce both joint and skin symptoms.
While Stelara is available as a subcutaneous injection for initial doses or under certain circumstances, it may be given through IV infusions. Patients often receive their first dose by infusion, followed by injections every 12 weeks.
Stelara’s long dosing schedule makes it a convenient option for those requiring consistent, long-term management of their condition.
Renflexis
Renflexis, a biosimilar to Remicade (infliximab), is another treatment option for managing rheumatoid arthritis. It works by targeting and inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a key contributor to the inflammatory response seen in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Administered through intravenous (IV) infusions, Renflexis helps to decrease inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and potentially slow the progression of joint damage.
Typically, patients begin with an induction phase, which involves several doses administered over the course of the first few weeks, followed by maintenance infusions every 8 weeks.
Benefits of IV Therapy
Residents in Marietta and Lawrenceville with psoriatic arthritis find several advantages to choosing IV therapy over other treatment methods. These include:
Faster Symptom Relief
IV therapy delivers medications directly to the bloodstream, often leading to quicker and more noticeable effects.
Customized Care
Medical professionals closely monitor dosages, ensuring safe and effective treatment tailored to individual needs.
Improved Quality of Life
Many patients report reduced flare-ups, better mobility, and decreased discomfort after starting IV therapy, allowing them to engage in everyday activities with ease.
Convenience
Treatments like Remicade, Renflexis, and Stelara fit into predictable schedules, reducing the need for daily medication routines and improving treatment adherence.
What to Expect During IV Therapy
For many first-time patients, the idea of IV therapy can seem intimidating. However, most find the process to be straightforward and comfortable. Here is what you can expect:
- Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and discuss the potential benefits and risks of IV therapy.
- During the treatment, a trained nurse will insert a small catheter into a vein, usually in your arm.
- The infusion process typically takes one to three hours, depending on the medication being administered. Patients are encouraged to relax with a book, listen to music, or use their phones while receiving treatment.
- After the infusion, you may be asked to stay for a short observation period to monitor for any side effects.
IV Therapy in Marietta, GA
If you or a loved one are living with arthritis, IV therapy could be a game-changing solution to reclaim your quality of life. Treatments like Remicade, Renflexis, and Stelara, provided by a trusted provider like GI Care Infusion in Marietta and Lawrenceville, help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms effectively.
At GI Care Infusion, we understand how difficult it can be to manage a chronic illness like psoriatic arthritis. That is why our team of experienced nurses and medical professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Are you ready to find relief from psoriatic arthritis symptoms? Contact us today at (470) 785-4616 or fill out our appointment request form to learn more about IV therapy in Marietta, GA.
