Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin disease that causes itchy, scaly, red patches to develop throughout the body, often appearing on the scalp, elbows, and knees. Though the cause of psoriasis is not totally understood at present, the immune system and genetics both contribute to its onset. People with psoriasis generally experience flare-ups due to triggers such as stress, skin injury, medications, excessive consumption of alcohol, and infections. While psoriasis can make life very uncomfortable, infusion therapy can disrupt the inflammation cycle of the disease and provide a high degree of relief.
How Infusion Therapy for Psoriasis Works
Infusion therapy — also known as IV therapy — works by administering biologic medications into your body through a slow-drip IV infusion. Medications for psoriasis are administered via IV infusion into the patient’s arms, abdomen, or legs. Since infusion therapy delivers the medication directly into the patient’s bloodstream, many patients experience results more quickly than with other medications, usually within a week or two.
What to Expect
At Infusion Associates, our dedicated team of medical professionals will be there to guide and monitor the infusion process, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have before, during, or after your infusion therapy.
While treatment times may vary based on your individual needs, you can expect infusion therapy for most of the common psoriasis medications to take a couple of hours. To make your treatment as comfortable as possible, we offer several amenities, including recliners, big-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, beverages, blankets, pillows, and more.
Infusion or Injectable Medications for Psoriasis
Whereas most traditional psoriasis medications affect the whole immune system, modern infusion medications are more targeted, treating only the compromised portion of the immune system. This offers a greater degree of treatment precision as well as fewer secondary complications. Infusion or injectable biologics for psoriasis work by blocking T-cells or other proteins within the immune system that cause psoriasis to develop.
Some of the common infusion therapy medications for psoriasis include:
- Cimzia
- Enbrel
- Humira
- Remicade
- Simponi and Simponi Aria
- Stelara
- Cosentyx, Taltz, Siliq
- Orencia
- Ilumya, Skyrizi, Remfya
Talk to your doctor before beginning treatment with any of the medications listed above, especially If you are already taking any of these medications or other biologics, as interactions may occur.
Side Effects
Side effects from infusion therapy for psoriasis will vary based on what medication is prescribed, but they often include:
- Headache, coughing, sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Skin rash
- Urinary tract infections
- Flu-like symptoms
- Upper respiratory infections
- Fatigue
In rare cases, certain severe side effects may occur. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction — including hives, itchiness, tingling sensation, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and/or swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips
- Heart failure — symptoms include shortness of breath and swelling of ankles or feet
- Immune reactions — symptoms include joint pain, rash on your cheeks or arms which worsen with sun exposure, and/or shortness of breath
- Blood problems — symptoms include a fever that does not go away, bruising easily, and paleness
- Nervous system problems — symptoms include dizziness, numbing or tingling, vision problems, and/or weakness in the arms or leg
Biologic medications also can weaken your immune system’s ability to fight against infection.
Tell your doctor if you experience any negative side effects. You are also encouraged to report such side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
If Your Doctor Has Recommended Infusion Therapy, Let Infusion Associates Help You
At Infusion Associates, we provide medically-prescribed infusion therapy for patients with chronic conditions in a welcoming and friendly environment. Our team of healthcare professionals is fully committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for you or your patients. We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment. In addition, we have a Registered Pharmacist or Medical Provider on-site to make the process as seamless as possible.
If you would like to refer a patient to us or want to inquire about the treatments we offer, you can contact us by calling us at 616-954-0600 or filling out this form.