A new prescription for infusion therapy can raise a lot of questions, especially when you are managing an autoimmune disease. Does switching to IV therapy mean your condition is getting worse? What happens during an infusion session? Understanding why these treatments are recommended, how appointments work, and how to prepare can help you arrive for your first visit with a clearer idea of what to expect.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider or care team.
Why Your Doctor May Recommend Infusion Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
Your doctor may recommend infusion therapy when an IV medication is appropriate for your diagnosis, disease activity, previous treatment response, or overall treatment goals. For some autoimmune conditions, biologic or other infused medications may be considered when earlier treatments have not provided adequate control, have caused significant side effects, or are not the best option for your individual situation.
Your healthcare provider may consider factors such as:
- Your diagnosis, symptoms, and disease activity
- How you responded to previous treatments
- Other health conditions and potential infection risks
- Pregnancy or reproductive considerations, when relevant
- Treatment frequency and other practical considerations
Depending on the medication, your care team may order bloodwork or other screening tests before treatment. These checks can help identify potential safety concerns and determine whether additional monitoring or preparation is needed before your infusion.
Common Infusion Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases
Infusion schedules and appointment lengths vary by medication, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Some medications infuse in about 30 minutes, while others require several hours. The examples below show several infusion medications used for autoimmune and other immune-mediated conditions. Your prescribing provider determines your specific medication, schedule, and monitoring requirements.
| Medication | Common Uses | Typical IV Schedule | Approximate Infusion Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remicade (infliximab) | Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, among other conditions | Initial infusions at weeks 0, 2, and 6, followed by maintenance therapy that is often every 8 weeks for these conditions | At least 2 hours |
| Entyvio (vedolizumab) | Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis | Initial infusions at weeks 0, 2, and 6, followed by IV maintenance therapy typically every 8 weeks | About 30 minutes |
| Orencia (abatacept) | Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis | Initial IV infusions at weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by maintenance approximately every 4 weeks | About 30 minutes |
| Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) | Multiple sclerosis | Two initial infusions given 2 weeks apart, followed by maintenance infusions every 6 months | Initial infusions generally take at least 2.5 hours; later infusions may take approximately 2 to 3.5 hours depending on the prescribed protocol |
Your total time at the infusion center will usually be longer than the medication infusion itself. Check-in, IV placement, and, depending on your treatment, pre-medications or additional monitoring can add time to your appointment. Ask your care team how much time you should allow for your specific infusion.
What to Expect During Your First Infusion Appointment
Your first infusion visit typically includes check-in, a clinical assessment, IV placement or access, medication administration, and monitoring by the care team. At TwelveStone, treatment takes place in private suites with Wi-Fi, television, snacks, and drinks available to help make longer appointments more comfortable. The exact process may vary depending on your medication and treatment plan.
Before Your Infusion Appointment
Follow any preparation instructions your care team gives you for your specific medication. Unless you have been told otherwise, staying well hydrated before your visit may make IV placement easier. Wear comfortable clothing with loose or easily adjustable sleeves, and let the care team know about any recent illness, new symptoms, or medication changes. If you have been told that a pre-medication may cause drowsiness, arrange transportation home in advance.
Check-In and Baseline Assessment
At check-in, your care team will confirm your information, check your vital signs, and review relevant health updates such as new symptoms, allergies, or medication changes. Depending on your treatment, additional assessments or laboratory checks may also be needed before the infusion begins. This is a good time to ask any remaining questions about the medication or the visit.
During the Infusion
A nurse will place or access your IV and administer any pre-medications that have been ordered for your treatment. Your clinical team will monitor you throughout the infusion and check how you are feeling. Once treatment is underway, you may be able to read, watch a show, listen to music, work, or rest. Tell your nurse right away if you notice any new or unusual symptoms, including itching, chills, flushing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
A few simple preparations can make a longer infusion appointment more comfortable:
- Bring a long phone charger, headphones, and a book, tablet, or other entertainment.
- Ask whether you can bring any preferred snacks or drinks; TwelveStone centers also provide refreshments.
- Bring a light layer or sweater in case you feel cool during treatment.
What to Expect After an Infusion Treatment
Before leaving the infusion center, make sure you feel steady and ask any follow-up questions you have about what to expect at home. How you feel after an infusion depends on the medication, the condition being treated, and your individual response. Some treatments may take time to reach their full effect, while others are used to control disease activity over an ongoing treatment schedule.
Depending on your medication, you may experience temporary effects such as fatigue, headache, or body aches after treatment. Your care team can explain what is expected with your specific prescription and which symptoms should be reported.
After your infusion, follow the discharge instructions provided by your care team. General steps may include:
- Follow your discharge instructions: Your care team will tell you whether you need specific precautions, medications, monitoring, or activity restrictions after treatment.
- Hydrate as directed: Continue drinking fluids unless your healthcare provider has given you different instructions.
- Rest if needed: You may feel ready to resume your normal activities, or you may prefer a lighter schedule depending on how you feel and the medication you received.
- Keep track of new symptoms: Note when they begin, how long they last, and whether they improve. Contact your care team sooner if you were instructed to report a symptom or if you are concerned about how you feel.
Follow the emergency instructions your care team provides for your medication. Seek emergency medical care for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, severe chest pain, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction. For symptoms that are not an emergency but are new, persistent, or concerning, contact your healthcare provider or infusion care team for guidance.
How Infusion Therapy Varies by Autoimmune Condition
Infusion treatment varies by condition because different diseases have different medication options, treatment goals, and monitoring needs. Treatment options for autoimmune and other immune-mediated conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and myasthenia gravis can differ significantly. Your prescribing provider determines which treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis, disease activity, previous treatment response, and individual safety considerations.
Many infusion medications are prescribed on specific dosing schedules. Because instructions for delayed or missed doses vary by medication, do not change your infusion schedule without guidance from your prescribing provider or care team. If you cannot attend an appointment, contact your infusion center as soon as possible so the team can determine the appropriate next step and coordinate with your prescribing provider when needed.
How to Prepare for Infusion Therapy
Preparing before your first infusion can make the treatment process easier to navigate. Before treatment begins, confirm your schedule, understand your medication-specific instructions, and plan for practical details such as transportation, work, or insurance requirements.
- Confirm your treatment schedule: Ask how often you will receive treatment, how long each appointment may take, and whether the schedule changes after your first few doses. Use that information to plan work, childcare, transportation, or other commitments.
- Review your treatment instructions: Ask whether you need any medication-specific preparation, pre-medications, laboratory tests, or monitoring, and make sure you know which symptoms your care team wants you to report.
- Plan the practical details: Confirm the infusion center location, transportation, time away from work or caregiving responsibilities, and any insurance or authorization steps that still need to be completed.
Questions to Ask Before Your First Infusion
Before your first infusion, consider asking your care team:
- How much total time should I allow for the appointment, including any monitoring or observation?
- Do I need any pre-medications, laboratory tests, or other preparation before treatment?
- What side effects or symptoms should I watch for during and after the infusion, and which ones should I report?
- Who should I contact after hours if I have concerns, and when should I seek emergency care instead?
- Has my insurance authorization been completed, and is there anything I need to do before treatment?
Frequently Asked Questions About Autoimmune Infusion Therapy
How long will I be at the infusion center for each visit?
Your total appointment time depends on your medication and monitoring requirements. Some infusion visits may take less than an hour, while others can last several hours. Check-in, IV placement, and any medication-specific preparation or observation can add to the infusion time itself. Ask your care team how much total time to allow for your prescription.
Do biologic infusions hurt?
You may feel a brief pinch when the IV is placed. Once it is in position, you may feel little or no discomfort from the IV itself. Tell your nurse right away if you develop pain, burning, swelling, or other new discomfort around the IV site during treatment.
What should I bring to an infusion appointment?
Bring any paperwork or information your care team has asked you to provide, along with an up-to-date medication list if requested. For comfort during a longer appointment, consider a phone charger, headphones, something to read or watch, and a light layer. Follow your center’s instructions about food, drinks, and transportation.
How do insurance approvals and prior authorizations work?
After your prescribing provider sends the treatment order or referral, TwelveStone verifies your insurance benefits and determines whether prior authorization or additional documentation is required. The team coordinates with your provider and insurer to complete applicable approval steps and clarify your expected financial responsibility before treatment whenever possible.
Eligible patients may also receive help identifying available manufacturer or charitable financial assistance programs. You can review TwelveStone’s infusion therapy treatments for additional treatment and coverage information.
Can I use a manufacturer co-pay card with Medicare or Medicaid?
Manufacturer copay cards generally cannot be used when the medication is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, or another federal healthcare program. However, other forms of financial assistance may be available.
TwelveStone’s financial support team can help eligible patients explore independent charitable foundations and other assistance resources based on their coverage and program availability.
What Are the Benefits of an Outpatient Infusion Center Compared With a Hospital?
For patients whose medication and clinical needs are appropriate for outpatient care, a freestanding infusion center can provide a convenient alternative to a hospital outpatient department. Research has found that alternative infusion sites may have lower overall healthcare costs for appropriate patients, although your personal out-of-pocket cost still depends on your insurance plan and treatment.
Some medications or medical circumstances may require a hospital-based setting. TwelveStone’s infusion centers offer private treatment suites with Wi-Fi, television, refreshments, and clinical teams experienced in infusion care.
Starting infusion therapy often involves both clinical and practical questions. TwelveStone Health Partners brings more than 35 years of experience in community-based pharmacy and specialty healthcare, with 30+ infusion center locations across the Southeast. From benefits verification and prior authorization support to scheduling and clinical care during treatment, TwelveStone coordinates each step with patients, prescribing providers, and insurers.
