See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Infliximab Infusion treatments.
Important Announcement
Payors and health plans often require patients to use a specified infliximab product, including Remicade, Unbranded Infliximab, Avsola, Inflectra, and/or Renflexis. All infliximab patient referrals are subject to review by IVX Health.
Infliximab is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:
- Moderately to severe active ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Plaque psoriasis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
What is Infliximab?
Infliximab is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via infusion. Infliximab has been used to treat a variety of complex chronic conditions for over twenty years. Infliximab also has several formulations, including the innovator brand Remicade, biosimilars like Avsola, Inflectra, and Renflexis, and an unbranded product called Unbranded Infliximab.
A biosimilar a biologic therapy that has been approved and licensed by the FDA and has shown to have no clinically meaningful difference from an existing therapy, known as the “reference product.”
Due to its cost, certain payors have added Infliximab and several of its biosimilars to their Medical Necessity List, indicating that a patient must first fail a series of other therapies before Infliximab may be authorized for reimbursement. To inquire whether a specific health plan covers Infliximab, please use the Contact Us form.
How Infliximab Works
Infliximab works by targeting and blocking the protein tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which, when overproduced by the white blood cells, causes the immune system to attack healthy cells.
Infliximab Infusion Dosage & Administration
Patients receive infliximab intravenously. Treatment time for an infliximab infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts from two to three hours.
Dosage and Frequency
Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of infliximab, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the severity of the condition for which he or she is receiving treatment.
Patients typically receive their initial dose and return for another treatment two weeks later. After the second dose, patients return in four weeks for their third intravenous infusion of infliximab.
Following the third IV infusion, patients usually return to IVX Health for infliximab IV infusion therapy every six to eight weeks.
Administering Infliximab via IV Infusion
- The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle.
- Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape.
- The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication.
Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals.
Infliximab Side Effects
As with all medications, side effects are possible.
Acute reactions that can occur during treatment or within 24 hours of infliximab IV infusion therapy include:
- Heart palpitations
- Fever
- Pain in the chest
- Nausea
- Itching
- Sweating
- Flushing
- Blood pressure variations
- Breathing difficulties
Delayed reactions most often occur 24 hours to 14 days following an IV infusion with infliximab. These reactions may include a rash, joint aches, muscle aches, and lethargy.
Rare side effects that can occur during or following a Infliximab treatment include:
- A severe infection (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis, sepsis)
- Injury to the liver
- Cancers (e.g., lymphoma, skin, cervical)
- Neurologic disease
- Blood disorders
- An allergic reaction to the protein in infliximab
While receiving Infliximab, or following a treatment, symptoms can be addressed with the appropriate medication (such as acetaminophen, steroids, antihistamines, or epinephrine). During treatment at a Infliximab infusion clinic, reactions generally subside once the rate of infusion slows.
Following treatment, patients need to inform their referring physician if they develop skin growths, as well as open or painful sores. In addition, the physician needs to know if the patient is experiencing flu-like symptoms or has a poor appetite.
To decrease the likelihood of the patient experiencing another reaction, he or she may be advised to take certain medications before the next IV infusion treatment with infliximab.
Preparing for Your Infliximab Infusion
Follow these steps to prepare for your Infliximab Infusion:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
- Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Infusion.
- Pre-Infusion Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Infusion tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Pre-Infusion Medications
- Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Infliximab Infusion may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
- Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Infusion as directed.
Hydration and Nutrition
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.
- Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Infusion to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.
Prepare for Comfort
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Infusion site.
- Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.
Plan for Transportation
- Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Infusion, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Infliximab Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
How to Get a Referral for Infliximab
Every Infliximab Infusion referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.
Patient information should include:
- Name
- Current address
- Home and mobile phone number
- Insurance information
Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:
- Patient’s name and DOB
- Order date
- Diagnosis
- Physician’s name and NPI#
- Office address, phone, and fax numbers
- Provider’s signature
Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:
- Moderately to severe active ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Plaque psoriasis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Infliximab treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.
Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Infliximab treatments because:
- ALL private suites
- Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
- Evening & weekend appointments
- Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
- Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks
Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?
Interested?
IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.
