Rheumatoid Arthritis Infusion Therapy in Toms River

Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints (the synovium). It usually affects the same small joints on both sides of the body, such as the hands and feet, and it can also affect the lungs, eyes and blood vessels. Early treatment aimed at controlling inflammation may help prevent joint damage.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Tender, swollen joints on both sides of the body
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules)
• Weaker grip

When to Contact a Provider

See a provider, and ask about a rheumatologist, if joint swelling lasts more than a few weeks.

How Treatment May Help

Methotrexate or another conventional DMARD is usually started first. When RA stays active, a rheumatologist may add a biologic. These medicines may help reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage.

Therapies That May Be Available at Infuse Care

• Remicade, Avsola, Inflectra and Renflexis (infliximab products): IV infusion, used with methotrexate
• Rituxan, Ruxience and Truxima (rituximab products): IV infusion, used with methotrexate, usually for adults who have not responded well to TNF blockers
• Simponi Aria (golimumab): IV infusion, used with methotrexate
• Actemra (tocilizumab): IV infusion or injection under the skin
• Orencia (abatacept): 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.

Rituximab products carry boxed warnings for serious infusion reactions, hepatitis B reactivation and a rare brain infection (PML). Actemra requires regular blood tests for liver function, blood counts and cholesterol.

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.