Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) treatments can vary depending on the range and severity of your symptoms.
Over time, thecartilagebreaks down, narrowing the space between bones, and joints can become unstable or stiff.
If left untreated, RA can cause permanent and irreversible joint damage.
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Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with RA than men.
These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
If these medications fail to improve symptoms,biologic medicationsare usually recommended next.
Biologic medications used to treat RA come in injection or infusion forms.
The medications target certain cells or inflammatory proteins involved in autoimmune responses.
These include the following.
TNF inhibitors decrease inflammation throughout the body by blocking the activity of TNF.
Remicade (infliximab) is a TNF inhibitor approved for infusion treatment for RA.
Interleukin Inhibitors
Interleukins are inflammatory cell-signaling proteins that are elevated with inflammatory autoimmune conditions.
Interleukin inhibitors decrease inflammation throughout the body by blocking the activity of interleukins.
Actemera(Tocilizumab) is an interleukin inhibitor approved for infusion treatment for RA that specifically blocks interleukin-6.
Rituxan (rituximab) is a B-cell inhibitor approved for infusion treatment for RA.
Orencia(abatacept) is a T cell inhibitor approved for infusion treatment for RA.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Infusions for arthritis are delivered intravenously through an IV into a vein in your arm.
You’ll feel a sharp pinch when the needle is inserted.
Other than the initial needle stick, you shouldn’t experience pain.
How Long Does Infusion Treatment Last?
Other possible side effects includeheadaches,nausea, or fatigue after infusion treatment.
There is always a possibility of having an allergic reaction when taking medication.
Are There Any Severe Side Effects From Infusions?
They’ll then decide if the benefits of taking a biologic medication for RA outweigh the potential risks.
Biologic medication is usually well-tolerated with few adverse side effects.
You may need to get certain vaccines, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis B, before starting biologic medications.
The efficacy of infusion treatment for RA varies between medication types.
In these cases, the infusions won’t be as effective in reducing inflammation from RA to treat symptoms.
Biologic medication used to treat RA comes in injection or infusion form.
The medications target certain cells or inflammatory proteins involved in autoimmune responses.
They’ll then decide if the benefits of taking a biologic medication for RA outweigh the potential risks.
Infusions can suppress chronic inflammation, resulting in a decrease in symptoms of RA and joint destruction.
Taking any medication poses the potential risk of adverse side effects.
For infusions, side effects can manifest as an infusion site reaction or allergic reaction to the medication.
