Finding the right treatment for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis isn’t always straightforward. Many patients begin with oral medications or steroids, only to find their symptoms persist or return. If you're still searching for long-term relief, there may be a better solution.
At The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic, we specialize in infusion therapy for IBD in a safe, patient-focused setting. Our experienced team administers biologic infusion treatments that are designed to reduce inflammation at the immune system level, helping you better manage flare-ups and feel more in control. To find out if this approach is right for you, request an appointment online.
Let’s explore how infusion therapy works and why more IBD patients are choosing it over traditional treatments.
The Limits of Traditional IBD Treatments
Oral medications and corticosteroids have long been a first-line defense in treating IBD, but they come with challenges:
- Systemic side effects: Long-term steroid use is associated with increased risk of infections, bone thinning, weight gain, and elevated blood sugar.
- Short-term symptom relief: Many oral drugs address inflammation broadly rather than the specific immune pathways that drive Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Digestive breakdown: Medications taken orally must pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where they may be weakened by digestive acids and enzymes, reducing their effectiveness, especially in moderate to severe IBD cases.
When oral medications don’t adequately control inflammation or come with intolerable side effects, biologic infusion therapy can offer a new level of care.
How Infusion Therapy for IBD Works
Biologic infusion therapy delivers targeted medications directly into the bloodstream through intravenous infusion. These biologic agents—often monoclonal antibodies—are designed to block proteins like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) that cause inflammation in the GI tract.
Because they bypass the GI tract, biologic infusions are not broken down by digestive acids, making them more effective than traditional oral treatments for many patients. This method allows the drug to circulate through the bloodstream and directly interact with the immune system's inflammatory response.
Benefits of Biologic Infusion Therapy
Choosing infusion therapy over traditional IBD treatments offers multiple advantages:
1. Targeted and Less Systemic
Biologics used in infusion therapy modulate specific immune system molecules, leading to fewer systemic side effects compared to broad-spectrum corticosteroids. For patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, this precision means reduced symptoms and better tolerance over time.
2. Long-Lasting Symptom Relief
Infusions are typically administered every few weeks, providing sustained control over flare-ups and allowing patients to stay in clinical remission longer. This consistent control often leads to fewer hospitalizations and a lower risk of long-term complications.
3. Promotes Gut Healing
Biologics not only reduce inflammation but can promote mucosal healing, especially important in fistulizing Crohn’s disease and moderate to severe UC. Healing at the tissue level helps prevent further damage and reduces the need for surgical intervention.
4. Reduced Need for Steroids
Many patients who respond well to biologic infusion therapy are able to taper off corticosteroids, lowering their risk of side effects and improving their overall treatment safety and quality of life.
5. Improved Quality of Life
With more stable symptom management—including relief from abdominal pain, urgency, fatigue, and extraintestinal symptoms like joint pain—patients often experience a return to daily routines with increased comfort and confidence.
Is Infusion Therapy Right for You?
You may be a candidate for infusion therapy if:
- You have moderate to severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- You’ve tried oral medications or steroids without long-term success
- You’re looking to reduce reliance on corticosteroids
- Your gastroenterologist has recommended anti-TNF medications or other biologic infusion therapies
Our infusion center team works closely with your GI provider to coordinate care, monitor for potential side effects (like allergic reactions or rare complications such as hepatitis B reactivation), and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Get Support at the Denver Infusion Center
At the Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic, we understand how complex and challenging IBD can be. That’s why we focus on providing expert infusion therapy for IBD, with a staff that’s trained in biologic therapy, therapeutic drug monitoring, and personalized care. From your first infusion through maintenance therapy, we’re here to help you find symptom relief and long-term stability.
Ready to Learn More About Biologic Infusion Therapy?
If you're considering infusion therapy for IBD or want to explore your options beyond traditional oral medications, our team can help you determine the best path forward. Reach out today to schedule a visit or speak with our team about your treatment goals.
Call us at 303-394-2828 or visit denverinfusioncenter.com to request an appointment.
