Key Takeaways
- Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract that can significantly impact daily life through abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies.
- Infusion therapy helps reduce inflammation by delivering biologic medications directly into the bloodstream for faster, targeted symptom relief.
- Compared to some oral medications, infusion therapy offers long-lasting control, reduced flare frequency, and improved remission rates for many patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease.
- Common infusion treatments for Crohn’s disease include Remicade® (infliximab), Entyvio® (vedolizumab), and Stelara® (ustekinumab), all available at The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic.
- The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic provides expert, comfortable, and physician-supported infusion care in Denver and Lone Tree. Schedule your infusion therapy appointment today for comprehensive Crohn’s disease treatment.
Understanding Crohn’s Disease and Its Impact on Daily Life
Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract. The chronic inflammation it causes leads to a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Nutrient malabsorption
- Loss of appetite
Crohn’s disease can flare unpredictably, making it difficult to maintain daily routines, work schedules, social activities, and overall quality of life. Many people experience periods of remission followed by sudden symptom flare-ups. These cycles can make long-term management challenging without a targeted treatment plan.
Inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease also increases the risk of complications such as strictures, fistulas, and severe malnutrition. Because of this, treatment must focus not only on relieving symptoms but also on controlling the underlying inflammation that drives the disease.
Infusion therapy has become a foundational treatment option for many people seeking long-term control, reduced flare frequency, and improved daily functioning.
What Is Infusion Therapy for Crohn’s Disease?
Infusion therapy delivers medications intravenously, allowing them to enter the bloodstream quickly and act directly on inflammatory processes in the digestive tract. This precise delivery is especially important for Crohn’s disease, where oral medications may not be effective enough to manage moderate or severe symptoms.
At The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic, infusion therapy is administered in a supportive outpatient environment with:
- On-site physicians available throughout treatment
- A 3:1 Registered Nurse ratio for attentive, personalized care
- Comfortable oversized recliners
- Wi-Fi, snacks, and beverages for a relaxing experience
This combination of medical expertise and patient comfort helps ensure a smooth, stress-free treatment session.
How Infusion Therapy Reduces Inflammation and Symptoms
Biologic infusion medications work by targeting specific proteins in the immune system that trigger inflammation. By blocking these inflammatory signals, infusions can:
- Reduce abdominal pain and cramping
- Improve stool consistency
- Lower the risk of bleeding and fistula formation
- Decrease fatigue and inflammation-related discomfort
- Support long-term remission
Because infusions deliver medication directly into the bloodstream, patients often experience faster relief compared to oral therapy. Infusion therapies are designed to produce steady, controlled anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce flare-ups and improve daily functioning.
Benefits of Infusion Therapy Over Other Crohn’s Disease Treatments
While oral medications play a role for many people with Crohn’s disease, infusion therapy offers unique advantages:
1. Targeted Relief for Moderate to Severe Symptoms
Biologic infusions are designed specifically to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. They target the underlying immune response rather than just treating symptoms.
2. Longer-Lasting Effects
Many infusion medications remain active for weeks, reducing the need for daily dosing and providing consistent symptom control.
3. Faster Onset of Action
Direct bloodstream delivery allows for quicker absorption, which may lead to earlier symptom improvement.
4. Reduced Flare Frequency
By suppressing inflammation more effectively, infusion therapy can help maintain remission and decrease hospitalizations.
5. Supportive Treatment Environment
The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic provides a calm, clinical setting with experienced nurses and on-site physicians, an important advantage compared to self-administered therapies.
Common Infusion Medications for Crohn’s Disease
Several advanced biologic medications used to treat Crohn’s disease are offered at The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic.
Remicade® (Infliximab)
- Blocks inflammatory proteins that contribute to Crohn’s symptoms
- Helps maintain remission and prevent flare-ups
- Typically administered every 8 weeks after initial loading doses
Entyvio® (Vedolizumab)
- Targets gut-specific inflammation
- Designed to help patients achieve and maintain remission
- Often used for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Stelara® (Ustekinumab)
- Targets specific proteins involved in inflammation
- Beneficial for Crohn’s patients who have not responded to other treatments
These medications are administered under careful clinical monitoring to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal response.
Incorporating Infusion Therapy Into Your Crohn’s Care Plan
Infusion therapy is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes clear communication with your healthcare team.
Here are tips for successfully incorporating infusions into your care plan:
1. Stay Consistent With Your Infusion Schedule
Most medications follow a set treatment interval (such as every 6–8 weeks). Consistency helps maintain remission.
2. Communicate Changes in Symptoms
Sharing updates with your provider helps ensure your treatment remains effective and appropriately timed.
3. Prepare for Appointments
Because infusion times vary by medication, plan to bring:
- A book or tablet
- Headphones
- A snack or drink
The Infusion Center provides complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi to keep you comfortable.
4. Ask About Insurance and Copay Assistance
The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic offers support with insurance coordination, prior authorization, and copay programs to reduce financial stress.
5. Track Your Symptom Progress
Noting changes in energy, stool patterns, or pain levels can help your provider assess effectiveness and adjust care as needed.
Find Relief With Infusion Therapy for Crohn’s Disease in Denver
Infusion therapy provides targeted, long-lasting relief from Crohn’s disease symptoms and plays a vital role in reducing inflammation and improving quality of life. The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic offers expert, physician-supported infusion services designed to help patients manage Crohn’s disease with confidence.
To begin treatment, schedule an infusion therapy appointment with The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic at our Denver (Lowry) or Lone Tree location. Our team is committed to delivering safe, comfortable, and comprehensive care for Crohn’s disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What symptoms does Crohn’s disease cause?
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. These symptoms often result from chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.
How does infusion therapy help Crohn’s disease?
Infusion therapy uses biologic medications to target inflammation at the immune-system level, helping reduce symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and maintain remission.
Which infusion medications are used for Crohn’s disease?
The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic offers Remicade®, Entyvio®, and Stelara® infusions—three leading biologic treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.
What should I expect during my infusion appointment?
You will be seated in a comfortable recliner while a nurse administers your infusion. On-site physicians, a 3:1 RN ratio, and amenities such as snacks, Wi-Fi, and beverages help ensure a calm, supportive experience.
Is infusion therapy covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover infusion therapy for Crohn’s disease. The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic assists with insurance coordination and copay support to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
