In short, infusion therapy provides a highly effective, targeted method for managing moderate to severe Crohn’s disease by delivering biologic medication directly into the bloodstream.
- Targeted symptom relief. Biologics target specific proteins causing inflammation rather than suppressing the entire immune system.
- Improved medication adherence. Scheduled appointments ensure you receive the correct dosage under medical supervision.
- Long-term remission potential. Infusions can help heal the intestinal lining and reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups.
Managing a chronic condition requires finding a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and health goals. Infusions for Crohn’s disease are becoming a primary option for many patients seeking relief from persistent digestive symptoms.
This guide explores why gastroenterologists recommend this therapy and how it might improve your quality of life.
What Are Infusion Therapies for Crohn’s Disease?
Infusion therapy involves administering biologic drugs directly into your bloodstream through a needle or catheter. These medications are proteins that are genetically engineered to target specific parts of the immune system that fuel inflammation.
Oral medications must pass through the digestive system, which can reduce their potency before they reach the bloodstream. In contrast, infusions ensure the medication is 100 percent bioavailable immediately.
Common biologic drugs administered via infusion include infliximab (Remicade) and vedolizumab (Entyvio). Your doctor will determine which option is best based on the severity of your condition and your medical history.
1. Infusions Offer Better Symptom Control
The primary goal of any inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment is to stop the inflammation that causes damage to the GI tract. Biologics used in infusions for Crohn’s disease are designed to block specific proteins, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or integrins.
By neutralizing these proteins, the medication stops the inflammatory process at its source. This often leads to a significant reduction in common symptoms.
Patients often report less abdominal pain, reduced diarrhea, and improved energy levels. This targeted approach is often more effective for moderate to severe cases than traditional therapies.
2. Infusions Help Achieve Long-Term Remission
Achieving remission means you have periods where you do not experience symptoms. However, current medical standards aim for something deeper called “mucosal healing.”
This means the lining of the intestine has healed completely. Infusions for Crohn’s disease are particularly effective at helping patients achieve this deep level of healing.
3. Infusions Improve Medication Adherence
Taking a daily pill sounds simple, but it is easy to forget. Missing doses of maintenance medication can lead to a resurgence of symptoms or the development of antibodies against the drug.
Infusion therapy removes the burden of daily management. Depending on the specific medication, you may only need to visit the infusion center every four to eight weeks.
Because a healthcare professional administers the drug, you can be certain the medication is entering your system correctly. This consistency is vital for preventing flare-ups.
4. Infusions Reduce the Need for Steroids
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are often used to control acute flare-ups. While effective in the short term, steroids have serious side effects if used for long periods.
Long-term steroid use can lead to bone density loss, weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood swings. Biologics act as “steroid-sparing” treatments.
By controlling inflammation effectively, infusions for Crohn’s disease allow many patients to taper off steroids.
5. Infusion Therapy Reduces the Need for Surgery
Crohn’s disease is a progressive condition. If inflammation persists unchecked, it can lead to complications such as strictures (narrowing of the intestine) or fistulas (abnormal connections between body parts).
These complications often require surgical intervention. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, many people with Crohn’s disease will eventually require surgery.
However, consistent use of biologic infusions can alter the course of the disease. By achieving mucosal healing, you reduce the damage that leads to these structural problems.
Treating the inflammation aggressively with infusions reduces the likelihood of needing bowel resection surgery later in life.
How Does Entyvio for Crohn’s Disease Work?
One option your doctor might prescribe is vedolizumab (Entyvio). Entyvio is unique because it is “gut-selective.”
Unlike some biologics that suppress the immune system throughout the entire body, Entyvio specifically targets white blood cells traveling to the gut.
It prevents these cells from entering the GI tract and causing inflammation. Because it focuses specifically on the gut, it may carry a lower risk of certain infections compared to other biologics.
What Should You Expect During an Infusion Appointment?
If you are new to infusions for Crohn’s disease, knowing what to expect can ease your anxiety. The process is generally straightforward and relaxing.
The Check-In Process
When you arrive at a center like GI Care Infusion, a nurse will check your vital signs. They will ask about your current health and any recent infections.
Starting the IV
The nurse will insert a small catheter into a vein in your arm. You might feel a small pinch, but the discomfort is brief.
The Infusion Duration
The time required depends on the medication. Some drugs take 30 minutes, while others may take two to four hours.
During this time, you can read, watch a movie on your tablet, or nap.
Monitoring
Nurses will monitor you throughout the process to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. Once the bag is empty, they remove the IV, and you can usually return to your daily activities immediately.
Are There Risks or Side Effects to Consider?
Like all medical treatments, infusion therapy carries some risks. Your doctor will weigh these risks against the benefits of controlling your disease.
Common side effects include:
- Redness or pain at the injection site
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue immediately following the appointment
Because biologics affect the immune system, there is a slightly increased risk of infection. This includes upper respiratory infections or tuberculosis.
Your doctor will screen you for tuberculosis and hepatitis B before starting treatment. Regular blood work helps monitor your health while on the medication.
Choose GI Care Infusion for Your Crohn’s Disease Infusions in Atlanta, GA
At GI Care Infusion, we specialize in providing biologic therapies in a safe, comfortable, and professional setting. Our experienced staff is dedicated to making your treatment as seamless as possible.
We work directly with your prescribing physician to ensure your care plan is executed perfectly.
If you are ready to take control of your health, we are here to help. Contact us today at (470) 785-4616 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule your appointment.
