Infusion Therapy for IBD: How It Helps and What to Expect

It’s no wonder that oral medicines passing through the intestines often don’t work well for those with irritable bowel disease (IBD), a condition that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When medications don’t work well for chronic conditions, it places a huge burden on patients.

Our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates understand how challenging IBD can be in both social and work life, especially during flare-ups when many patients cannot attend work or social events. Patients with IBD often experience anxiety and depression due to the numerous hurdles they face.

In patients diagnosed with IBD, poor response to oral medications is influenced by the location of inflammation (upper GI problems respond poorly), immune system dysfunction, and poor absorption.

For this reason, our experts offer infusion therapy, which delivers medication directly to your bloodstream, bypassing the affected digestive system. Read on to learn how it helps and what to expect from infusion therapy.

Understanding infusion therapy

Infusion therapy is administered directly into your bloodstream using an IV line. Medical professionals monitor the entire procedure to ensure your comfort. The treatment lasts 30 minutes to a few hours and is typically repeated every 4-8 weeks.

The primary biological agents used in infusion therapy—Infliximab, Vedolizumab, and Ustekinumab—are thoroughly studied for safety and have proven effective in inducing remission in IBD patients. Because the drugs are delivered straight to your bloodstream, you may experience rapid improvement in your symptoms. 

Who is infusion therapy for?

Infusion therapy is often recommended for patients with severe IBD or those who don’t respond well to oral therapies. Additionally, patients suffering from fistulas may benefit from infusion therapy.

Improving life quality with infusion therapy for IBD

If you’ve been living with IBD for a while, you may be wondering if there’s any chance for your life to get better after infusion therapy. The answer is a resounding yes! There is a good chance your life will improve in many ways. Studies show that patients with IBD who underwent infusion therapy experienced improvements in the following areas:

• Symptom burden
• Daily functioning
• Disease-related worry
• General well-being

Other dimensions researchers measured before and after the treatment include mobility, pain, discomfort, self-care, anxiety, and depression.

If you’ve been struggling with IBD and conventional medications aren’t working, call us to schedule an appointment. Our staff will review your medical records, conduct a thorough examination, and recommend the best treatment plan to help you find relief based on their findings.