IV Infusion Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Patient's Guide

More than 1.3 million people in the United States live with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts the joints. Over time, RA can damage cartilage, limit mobility, and negatively impact quality of life.

While there’s no cure for RA, effective management helps patients live well and function better. Here at Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Hendersonville, Tennessee, our skilled providers offer modern therapies that ease symptoms, slow disease progression, and help patients do more of the things they enjoy. 

IV infusion therapy is an effective approach to manage chronic rheumatic conditions such as RA. This guide provides an overview of how you may benefit from making IV infusion therapy a part of your RA management plan. 

What IV infusion therapy is and why it helps

RA is managed through a comprehensive approach that includes medications that target inflammation and immune system activity. IV infusion therapy delivers medication directly into the bloodstream to quickly interrupt the inflammatory processes that cause RA symptoms.

Several advanced medications can be delivered through IV infusion to help manage RA. These typically include biologic therapies that target specific parts of the immune system involved in inflammation. 

Some commonly prescribed medications for managing RA are:

• Rituximab: reduces inflammation by targeting B-cells
• Infliximab: blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key driver of joint damage
• Tocilizumab: targets interleukin-6 (IL-6), a protein linked to inflammation
• Abatacept: interferes with the activation of joint-damaging immune cells

Our team carefully selects the most appropriate medication based on factors such as your health history, disease activity, and response to previous treatments.

When we recommend IV therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Most patients with RA begin treatment with oral medications, sometimes combined with injections. If those options don’t provide enough relief, or if the disease continues to progress, infusion therapy may help. 

Infusion medications are often considered when:

• Symptoms remain moderate-to-severe despite standard treatment
• Joint damage is advancing quickly
• Oral medications aren’t well tolerated
• A stronger, targeted treatment is needed to help control inflammation

Our rheumatology team evaluates each patient individually before recommending IV infusion therapy.

What to expect during an infusion

We understand that infusion therapy can feel intimidating at first, which is why we’ve designed the experience to be as comfortable as possible. Treatments take place in our dedicated infusion suite. 

Patients settle into cozy recliners where they can relax, read, enjoy complimentary snacks, or connect to our high-speed Wi-Fi. The medication is delivered through a small IV line placed in the arm. Depending on the medication prescribed, an infusion may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

Our staff is present throughout the session to monitor safety and answer questions, so patients feel supported during the process. 

After the infusion: what patients can expect

One of the key benefits of IV infusion therapy is that the medication begins working quickly. Some patients notice improvements in joint pain and stiffness within days, while for others it may take several weeks of treatment. 

Our team will discuss how often you’ll need infusions. The frequency depends on the specific medication prescribed. After each session, most patients are able to resume normal daily activities right away.

Why patients choose Comprehensive Arthritis Care

Our infusion services are offered in-office with minimal wait times, and with the convenience of care from the same trusted team that manages your arthritis treatment plan. Above all, our goal is to preserve joint mobility, prevent disability, and improve quality of life.

Your partner in RA care

Living with RA doesn’t have to mean living with constant pain. IV infusion therapy can be a powerful tool for controlling RA and protecting long-term health. 

If you’re struggling with rheumatoid arthritis and want to explore advanced treatment options, call our office today, or book an appointment online.