See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Tremfya Infusion treatments.
Tremfya is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:
- Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC)
What is Tremfya?
Tremfya (guselkumab) is a a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Tremfya is the only IL-23 blocker that works in two ways
- It targets a key component of inflammation called IL-23
- It binds to a target on the cells that make IL-23 called CD64
Tremfya targets IL-23, a key component of inflammation in ulcerative colitis and also binds to a target on the cells that make IL-23 called CD64.
Tremfya Infusion Dosage & Administration
Patients receive Tremfya (guselkumab) intravenously. Treatment time for an Tremfya (guselkumab) infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts roughly 60 minutes. Tremfya is administered in two phases – induction and maintenance.
- Induction: 200 mg administered by intravenous infusion over at least one hour at Week 0, Week 4, and Week 8
- Maintenance: 100 mg administered by subcutaneous injection at Week 16, and every 8 weeks thereafter, or 200 mg administered by subcutaneous injection at Week 12, and every 4 weeks thereafter
Administering Tremfya 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.
Tremfya Side Effects
As with all medications, side effects are possible.
The most common side effects of Tremfya include:
- Respiratory tract infections
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Injection site reactions
- Diarrhea
- And others
During and after treatment, patients need to inform their healthcare provider or nurse if they experience any serious or persistent side effects, including:
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
- Chest pain
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Moderate to severe abdominal pain or vomiting
Preparing for Your Tremfya Infusion
Follow these steps to prepare for your Tremfya 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 Tremfya 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 Tremfya Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
How to Get a Referral for Tremfya
Every Tremfya 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 severely active ulcerative colitis (UC)
If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Tremfya 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 Tremfya 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.