Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

A chronic medical condition like ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can affect every aspect of your life. It’s only natural to try and prevent the illness from progressing while also seeking relief from pain. But any medical treatment can bring up valid concerns. Ohio Infusion Services understands and strives to keep you informed about your infusion treatment options. Together we can work to better manage your AS symptoms.

WHAT IS ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that affects your joints. Patients with AS produce too much TNF-alpha, a protein in the immune system that regulates immune cells and inflammation. This overabundance can then cause the immune system to attack healthy cells. AS is a form of arthritis and primarily affects the spine and sometimes the shoulders, hips, ribs, heels, hands, and feet.

In advanced cases, AS can result in the production of new bone in the spine, causing a fusion of the vertebrae. Patients could find themselves with their flexibility limited by the additional bone mass. This could then lead to a fixed, forward-stooped posture that causes inflammation and chronic pain. 

Types of symptoms experienced, along with the timing of their initial onset and progression can vary greatly from person to person. The cause of AS is not known, though some believe it to be at least partly hereditary.

Symptoms might include: 

• pain and stiffness in the back and hips
• increased pain in the morning and following periods of inactivity
• neck pain and fatigue

Your doctor can conduct physical examinations and imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to better diagnose your condition. Ankylosing spondylitis can be effectively managed, and Ohio Infusion Services has treatment options that could lessen some of your symptoms.

INFUSION THERAPY FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Ohio Infusion Services offers treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with both SIMPONI ARIA® (golimumab) and REMICADE® (infliximab), medications that were specifically developed to treat this condition. Both medications are biologic drug therapies used to treat adults with ​active AS. They work by blocking overabundant TNF-alpha proteins and thereby reducing inflammation and the resulting symptoms of AS. 

Infusion treatment using either medication is administered intravenously via a subcutaneous injection. Simponi Aria infusions are received twice during the first two sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, and then once every eight weeks thereafter. Treatment lasts about 30 minutes and dosage is based on body weight. The first three Remicade infusions are given one at a time and spread out over the course of six weeks, with subsequent maintenance doses being given once every eight weeks. Remicade treatment lasts for about two hours each session.

SIDE EFFECTS OF INFUSION THERAPY FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Every medical treatment carries unique risks, and the same is true of infusion therapy for a chronic condition like ankylosing spondylitis. Both Simponi Aria and Remicade infusions have been used successfully and are considered to be safe, but medication can react differently from person to person.

Some of the signs of a bad reaction might be:

• Respiratory infections
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Headache
• Coughing
• Stomach pain
• Fever or chills
• Rash or itching
• Blood pressure or heart-related problems

At Ohio Infusion Services, we give every patient premium care in the privacy of a personal suite. Trained medical staff is always nearby should you experience any unanticipated reactions. For a detailed list of possible side effects or potential interactions talk with your prescribing physician – they can discuss what to look out for. Infusion reactions can happen up to a full day after treatment, so stay alert in that timeframe and tell your doctor about any lingering side effects.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM INFUSION THERAPY FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

After you talk through infusion therapy and its risks with your doctor, you might decide to proceed with treatment. Your physician will then need to issue a referral to our facility. While you’re here for your infusion our skilled and compassionate staff can review your treatment plan and discuss what you need to know about your therapy. Our on-site physician or nurse will be with you through your first treatment to ensure that the medication and dosage are well-tolerated. At subsequent sessions you will have full, private access to your own treatment suite and provided amenities for the duration of your infusion. 

Both Simponi Aria and Remicade have been proven to reduce the overall signs and symptoms of AS. For some patients relief came in just a few weeks. We hope that our infusion treatments will help your condition right away, but medications often take some time to display their full effects.

Because both Simponi Aria and Remicade are medications that suppress your immune system they will naturally lower your ability to fight infections. Taking necessary precautions is vital to preserving your overall health both during and after treatment.

IF YOUR DOCTOR PRESCRIBES INFUSION THERAPY, LET OHIO INFUSION SERVICES HELP YOU

Working with us is a simple process. First, we will need a referral from your prescribing physician. While we both wait on the referral, we kindly request that you please fill out a new patient form, letting us know that you're interested in receiving treatment. We can then reach out to you and discuss further. We work with most common insurance providers and can often get your medication ordered and infusion scheduled as soon as we receive your information. We are open Monday through Friday and have locations in Mayfield Heights and North Olmsted.

At Ohio Infusion Services, we know that you’re dealing with difficult circumstances. Our staff will do all they can to streamline the treatment process and get your therapy underway. If you'd like to learn more or find out whether we can offer treatment for your specific condition, please call us at 216-381-3333 or submit an online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you and are here to help.