What is infusion therapy?
“Infusion” or “infusion therapy” refers to the delivery of medications directly into the veins of a patient, also known as intravenous or IV administration. Intravenous/Infusion or injectable methods of drug delivery are typically used when oral/pill medications are insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable. Many of the newest medications are biologic (made or derived from living cells) and cannot be taken orally like a pill because they will not remain effective after exposure to the digestive system. Biologic medications are often used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis along with other autoimmune disorders.
Why choose a GI Alliance infusion center?
Our infusion centers provide comprehensive gastrointestinal care in collaboration with your physician. We have specialized GI nurses with a focus on gastrointestinal disease management and infusion therapy and treatment working in partnership with onsite physicians to give you the best possible care. Our centers are all outpatient infusion with flexible scheduling. Lastly, our practice promises the highest level of patient experience, safety, and quality at each of our infusion centers.
What medications are available through infusion therapy?
The following medications are available to patients through infusion therapy:
- Remicade®
- Infliximab biosimilars – Inflectra, Renflexis, Avsola
- Iron products
- Entyvio®
- Stelara®
How do I prepare for my infusion therapy?
To prepare for your infusion therapy:
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear clothing with layers
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Some patients may need to premedicate
- Bring a list of current medications
To understand what else to expect during your appointment, please discuss infusion therapy with your GI Alliance provider.
Infusion therapy for GI diseases
If you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or any other condition that requires you to receive medication intravenously, then you can count on the experts at GI Alliance to provide you with the best in patient-centric care. GI Alliance is the nation’s most comprehensive practice of gastroenterologists who specialize in GI conditions and the treatments used to manage such conditions like infusion therapy. To learn more about our infusion therapy suites and their amenities, contact your local GI Alliance physician.