Infusion Therapy

ACTEMRA is used for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and is indicated if TNF-alpha blockers have proven to be ineffective, or were not tolerated. ACTEMRA works by blocking the action of the IL-6 messenger cytokine that is responsible for sending signals to white blood cells to fight viruses and germs. Rheumatoid arthritis patients have too many messenger cytokines in their body, which causes the body’s immune system to attack normal healthy tissue. ACTEMRA slows down the progression of joint damage and can improve the patient’s physical functions. This medication can be used in combination with methotrexate or other DMADS, but can also be used by itself as a medication option for patients who do not tolerate methotrexate. ACTEMRA can lower the ability to fight infections, so the patient needs to be monitored on a regular basis by their physician.

REMICADE is a biologic medication that is given intravenously to patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or plaque psoriasis. REMICADE blocks the action of a messenger protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is created by your body’s immune system and plays an important role in fighting off infections. People with too much TNF-alpha have to worry about their body’s immune system attacking normal, healthy tissue, but REMICADE can help prevent this damage. REMICADE can lower the ability for the immune system to fight infections, so it’s important to let your healthcare provider know if you are currently being treated for an infection, healing from surgery or dental procedure, or have had any recent changes with your health.

ORENCIA is a specialty treatment given to reduce signs and symptoms in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, including patients who have not had an adequate response to other medications for RA. This medication can help prevent further joint damage and improve the patient’s ability to perform many daily activities. ORENCIA can be given through an intravenous catheter in the vein, and it’s also available in an injectable form for the patient to administer at home. ORENCIA reduces the activity of T-cells in your body, which are an important part of the immune system and, when activated, begin a chain of events that can cause inflammation, pain, swelling and joint damage. ORENCIA can lower a patient’s ability to fight infections, so patients need to be monitored on a regular basis by their physician.

RITUXAN is a biologic medication that is given intravenously to patients with rheumatoid arthritis, microscopic polyangiitis or Wegener’s granulomatosis. RITUXAN targets B-cells in the body, which are an important part of the immune system. B-cells play a vital role in the chain of events that can cause inflammation, swelling, pain and joint damage. Patients taking RITUXAN need to be monitored on a regular basis by their physician, since this medication can lower the ability to fight infections.

BENLYSTA is a medication that is given as an IV infusion for the treatment of active systemic lupus erythematosus. This is the first FDA-approved medication in over 50 years to treat SLE patients who are currently receiving other lupus medications. BENLYSTA reduces specific cells in your immune system that can cause lupus to become active. BENLYSTA can lower the ability for the immune system to fight infections, so it is important to let your healthcare provider know if you are currently being treated for an infection, healing from a surgical or dental procedure, or have had any recent changes with your health.

SIMPONI ARIA is a biologic intravenous infusion that is given with methotrexate to treat adults with rheumatoid arthritis. SIMPONI ARIA blocks the action of a messenger protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is created by your body’s immune system and fights off infections. Patients with too much TNF-alpha have to worry about their body’s immune system attacking normal, healthy tissue, but SIMPONI ARIA can help prevent this damage. SIMPONI ARIA can lower the ability for the immune system to fight infections, so it is important to let your doctor know if you are currently being treated for an infection, healing from a surgical or dental procedure, or have had any recent changes with your health.

RECLAST is administered once per year by IV for the treatment of osteoporosis. The medication works in combination with calcium and vitamin D supplements to promote stronger bones and prevent fractures. Your bones continuously go through a renewal process in which old bone is broken down and new bone forms to replace it. Patients with osteoporosis break down bone faster than new bone is created to replace it, resulting in an increased risk for fracture. RECLAST slows the breakdown process and allows new bone a chance to fill in areas of bone loss.