Ankylosing Spondylitis

Overview

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints, where the spine meets the pelvis. Over time, ongoing inflammation can cause stiffness and, in some people, new bone growth that fuses parts of the spine. It usually begins before age 45.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Low back or buttock pain lasting more than three months
• Stiffness that is worse in the morning or after rest and eases with movement
• Pain in the heels, ribs, hips or shoulders
• Fatigue
• Eye pain, redness and light sensitivity (uveitis)

When to Contact a Provider

Talk to a provider about back pain that started gradually before age 45, has lasted for months, and improves with activity. Sudden eye pain, redness or vision changes need prompt care.

How Treatment May Help

Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and regular exercise or physical therapy are usually the first steps. When symptoms stay active, a rheumatologist may prescribe a biologic that blocks TNF or IL-17. These medicines may help reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation and improve daily function.

Therapies That May Be Available at Infuse Care

• Remicade, Avsola, Inflectra and Renflexis (infliximab products): IV infusion
• Simponi Aria (golimumab): IV infusion
• Cosentyx (secukinumab): IV infusion or injection under the skin
• Cimzia (certolizumab pegol): injection under the skin

Safety and Monitoring

Biologic medicines can raise the risk of infections, so your provider will usually screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis B before you start and review your vaccines. Infusion or injection reactions can occur, and our nurses monitor you during and after each treatment.

IL-17 blockers such as Cosentyx may worsen inflammatory bowel disease in some people, so tell your provider if you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Your prescribing provider decides which treatment is right for you. Infuse Care administers prescribed therapies after a referral, a clinical review and any required insurance authorization, and we keep your provider's office updated on your care.