Managing Lupus Flare-Ups: Can IV Infusion Therapy Help?

An estimated 1.5 million Americans live with lupus, and it can often feel challenging to manage due to its unpredictable nature. Flare-ups are a hallmark of this autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. 

The good news is that with an effective management plan, many people living with systemic lupus are able to minimize flare-ups and live well. 

At Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Dr. Mohammad F. Ali and our board-certified rheumatology team specialize in managing rheumatic conditions, including lupus. IV infusion therapy can be an important part of a comprehensive plan to manage lupus flares.

What triggers lupus flare-ups?

Lupus is a chronic disease that requires ongoing expert care. Lupus flare-ups occur when the disease becomes more active and symptoms increase or new symptoms develop. The goal of an effective management plan is to extend periods where your symptoms decrease (remission) and you feel better. 

Flares can be triggered by factors like:

• Stress
• Illness
• Sun exposure
• Poor sleep
• Hormonal changes
• Diet high in processed foods
• Certain medications

While it’s not always possible to prevent every flare, knowing your triggers and sticking to your treatment plan can significantly reduce their frequency, duration, and intensity.

How is lupus treated?

Lupus is a lifelong condition, but with proper management, many people lead active, fulfilling lives. Treatment often involves a combination of medications that control inflammation and suppress overactivity of the immune response. 

Common therapies include:

• Antimalarial medications
• Corticosteroids
• Biologic therapies
• Anti-inflammatory medications

For patients whose symptoms are more severe or who don’t respond well to oral medications, IV infusion therapy can be an effective next step.

How does IV infusion therapy work?

IV infusion therapy delivers medication directly into your bloodstream for faster, more effective relief. This approach bypasses the digestive system, ensuring steady, reliable absorption of the medication.

In lupus care, infusions may include biologic medications such as:

• Belimumab (Benlysta)
• Anifrolumab-fnia (Saphnelo)
• Rituximab (Rituxan, Truxima)
• Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

IV infusion therapy not only lowers inflammation and gets flare-ups under control, but it also reduces future flare-ups. Over time, infusion therapy can help preserve organ function, reduce fatigue, and improve overall quality of life.

What can I expect during treatment?

At Comprehensive Arthritis Care, infusion treatments are provided in a relaxed and supportive environment. Patients can sit back in comfortable recliners and rest while our experienced team monitors each session closely.

Most infusions take one to three hours, and patients can typically resume normal activities afterward. Treatment schedules vary depending on your individual needs and how your body responds.

Is infusion therapy right for me?

Our team may recommend infusion therapy if your lupus symptoms remain difficult to manage with oral medication alone, or if you experience frequent flare-ups that disrupt your daily life. It can also be an important option for patients with organ involvement, such as kidney or lung inflammation.

You can expect us to evaluate your medical history, current medications, and lab results to determine whether infusion therapy is the right approach for you.

Expert lupus care close to home

While lupus can be unpredictable, effective management is possible. At Comprehensive Arthritis Care, our goal is to help patients regain control of their health through effective treatments, compassionate support, and timely intervention.

If lupus flare-ups are interfering with your quality of life, contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced rheumatology team today. Together, we can help you manage symptoms and protect your long-term wellness.