Debunking Home Infusion Myths

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When it comes to home infusion, patients are usually excited by the prospect because they know it can grant them more freedom in their routine. However, if you’re still wary of home infusion, you may be hesitant since you believe in a few myths that have been circulating about the process for years. Today, we’re easing fears about home infusion by debunking some of the most common myths in the industry.

Myth: Home Infusion Is Expensive

Fact: Home infusion is actually more affordable to the patient than hospital or site-based care. The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) reports that, typically, commercial insurers reimburse home infusion at rates that are 40–60 percent less than the cost of providing care for those same patients at hospitals. Home infusion also saves patients and their families money in costs for travel as infusion nurses will come to the patient in their homes to deliver infusion, negating the need for long travel days to and from the hospital.

Myth: Home Infusion Is Expensive

Fact: Home infusion is incredibly safe, especially if you receive care from an experienced home infusion provider like our team at ContinuumRx. In an article published by PubMed.gov, it was found that home infusion was a safe and clinically effective treatment method that was preferred by patients. Our team at ContinuumRx has been providing safe infusions to our patients from the comfort of home for over twenty years. We’ve managed cases from simple short-term infusions to more complex long-term home infusions, and our patients are consistently happy with our service.

Myth: Health Insurance Does Not Cover Home Infusion

Fact: As we discussed before, home infusion is covered by most commercial insurers. Yet, you may be wondering if ContinuumRx specifically accepts your insurance carrier. At ContinuumRx, we’re proud to accept nearly all insurance carriers. We also recently became in-network with United Healthcare and can now service those insured patients. We even have dedicated teams that vet with a patient’s insurance carrier to make sure they get the most coverage for their treatment. Although unlikely, there have been a few cases where insurers want the patients to receive treatment elsewhere. In this case, we will ensure the transition is carried out smoothly so the patient can focus on their health rather than the coverage process. Learn more about our insurance coverage.

Now that you know the facts, it’s time to connect with an intake specialist and patient care representative to guide you through the home infusion onboarding process. We have locations in Alabama, Virginia, and Tennessee to better serve our patients wherever they are. Find the location closest to you to start your home infusion journey!

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Antibiotic Infusion Therapies: How ContinuumRx Provides Convenient Treatment

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November 21st is World Antibiotic Awareness Week! Antibiotics are a class of antimicrobial drugs commonly used to treat bacterial infections. Patients who require this type of treatment will often receive them through a course of antibiotics either taken orally or intravenously through infusion therapy. Today, we’re detailing how antibiotic infusion therapy can treat infections and some of the infections we commonly see here at ContiuumRx.

What Is Antibiotic Infusion?

Antibiotics are designed to work against bacteria and can either actively kill bacteria to stop an infection or interfere with bacterial reproduction, making it difficult for an infection to spread. Patients typically require IV antibiotics when oral antibiotics fail to work for them. This is because IV antibiotics are more potent and, therefore, more effective against certain infections.

IV antibiotics are given short- and long-term, depending on the infection and its severity. For patients who need short-term treatment, infusion clinics like ours at ContinuumRx and our subsidiary, Continuum Health (Link to the site), can be a convenient and easy way to receive your treatment from a team of infusion professionals who care about your safe a streamlined recovery. However, if you require long-term treatment, then home infusion could be your preferred treatment method, as it allows you to receive your medications in the comfort of your home.

If you prefer home infusion, our clinical team can supply all the education, medications, supplies, and pumps necessary for your safe and cost-effective home infusion therapy. In addition, our skilled staff of medical professionals will make sure you and your family member or home caregiver are taught the infusion techniques and procedures necessary to ensure your independence and comfort throughout your therapy.

What Infections Require Antibiotic Infusion?

Now that we’ve explored what antibiotic infusions are, it’s time to look at which infections need this kind of treatment. As mentioned previously, antibiotics are required for bacterial infections, which are considered any infection where bacteria enters the body and multiplies. Some examples of bacterial infections that may require infusion treatment are pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, complicated urinary tract infections, and infection of Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the bacteria commonly associated with Lyme disease. However, this is just a short list of the many infections requiring antibiotic infusion.

Whether you need short- or long-term antibiotic infusion, our team at ContinuumRx can make the process simple and convenient. We have multiple locations spread throughout Tennessee, Maryland, Virginia, and Alabama to best serve your treatment needs. Interested in learning more about our antibiotic infusion services? Contact us today!

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What Makes a Pharmacy a Specialty Pharmacy?

October 16th through the 22nd is National Pharmacy Week! As a specialty pharmacy, ContinuumRx is proud to serve a specialized group of patients that need us. However, you may wonder what constitutes a specialty pharmacy and how to know if you need their services. So, in honor of National Pharmacy Week, we’re explaining what differentiates a specialty pharmacy and who requires these types of services.

Pharmacy vs. Specialty Pharmacy

A pharmacy is described as a facility or store where medicinal products are dispensed. A specialty pharmacy, however, is a state-licensed pharmacy that provides medications for more complex conditions. These types of medications can typically be separated into two groups: biologics and traditional drugs.

Specialty pharmacies are often required by patients with the following conditions that include, but are not limited to:

  • Cancer
  • Psoriasis
  • Arthritis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases

What to Look for in a Specialty Pharmacy?

When deciding on a specialty pharmacy, patients and physicians need to look for providers who can meet their unique needs. For example, if a physician is looking to partner with a specialty pharmacy to take on some of their patients’ infusion treatment, they want to ensure their care methods align with that pharmacy.

Even if a specialty pharmacy offers standard infusion services, patients may require or prefer home infusion to ease the burden on their schedules. A patient may also want a quiet and relaxing environment to undergo their treatment that is conveniently located, and a company that has infusion clinics or centers can be a big plus. That’s why it’s always important to vet a potential infusion provider to ensure they are the best company to serve you or your patient’s needs.

This National Pharmacy Week, get to know your local infusion provider like our team at ContinuumRx! We’re a specialty pharmacy that’s been serving the industry for over twenty years. Learn more about how we partner with health systems and providers in the Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Birmingham, AL, Huntsville, AL, and Chantilly, VA, areas!

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Treating Chronic Pain With Ketamine Infusion Therapy

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It is estimated that roughly 20.4% of Americans suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain is considered any consistent pain that lasts longer than three months and can occur for various reasons. While some oral medications can relieve pain symptoms, some patients have found that ketamine infusion therapy can further ease pain and provide much-needed comfort. This Pain Awareness Month, keep reading to learn more about chronic pain and how ContinuumRx can help ease symptoms through ketamine infusion therapy.

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is classified as pain that lasts for three or more months. It differs from acute pain, which is pain that is caused by an injury or illness but eventually subsides after a patient recovers. With chronic pain, a patient can sustain an injury and still have lingering pain long after healing. Chronic pain can also occur with little warning and in areas with no significant injuries.

Back and neck pain, arthritis, and headaches or migraines are all common types of chronic pain. Fibromyalgia is another common chronic pain condition where muscle pain occurs all over the body. Patients experiencing these issues and many others may have trouble working, exercising, or having an active social life. Their physical pain can even lead to depression and anxiety in some cases.

What is Ketamine Infusion?

Ketamine is typically used as an anesthetic during surgeries, and a full dosage is not recommended for everyday use. However, when administered in a small dosage and by a medical professional, ketamine can be used to help relieve chronic pain symptoms in patients with the following conditions:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Spinal injuries
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Certain types of nerve or back pain
  • Complex pain

Ketamine works by blocking specific pain receptors in the brain and can even reset some nerve cells in the spine and brain, thus relieving symptoms of pain.

How Does ContinuumRx Deliver Ketamine Infusion?

For patients requiring ketamine infusion as directed by their physician, it is important for them to have options in where they receive their therapy. For those who need more flexibility in their treatment or are unable to travel due to their condition or financial situation, home infusion may be the best option. However, for those looking for a comfortable and convenient experience, ContinuumRx also has infusion suite locations.

Patients can even opt to receive their treatment at one of our Continuum Health locations that provide a private and serene environment to undergo therapy. Yet, it’s important to note that while ketamine infusions are given at lower dosage than anethesia dosages, patients should still plan to have someone drive them home following the procedure as they may experience tingling or floating sensations and sometimes mild hallucinations.

No matter the patient’s preference, our team will work with your physician and health insurance provider to ensure you receive the best care possible at an affordable price. We accept nearly all insurance carriers and recently became in-network with United Healthcare. Visit our website to find a location near you!

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Ambulatory vs. Home Infusion: Which Treatment Method Is Right For You

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When deciding on treatment, patients usually have few options for where they can receive their infusions, including a hospital, a doctor’s office, an ambulatory infusion center, or at home with home infusion. However, hospitals and doctor’s offices can be challenging to travel to and uncomfortable, so patients looking for a more personalized experience typically opt for home infusion or site-based care. Today, we’re taking a closer look at ambulatory infusion sites and home infusion services to help patients decide which option is best for their needs.

Ambulatory Infusion Therapy

Ambulatory infusion refers to treatment given at a designated facility or center outside of a hospital or doctor’s office. The infusion industry has grown exponentially recently, and infusion centers are more accessible than ever. Patients looking to find an infusion center near them can utilize infusion center locators like the one provided by NICA that helps connect patients across the country with accessible infusion centers.

More infusion centers are renovating and remodeling to embody a more relaxing patient environment. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Continuum Health, is an excellent example of one of these infusion centers, as it offers a comfortable and serene space where patients can unplug during infusion sessions and decompress.

While there are many infusion centers across the country, patients may still have to travel, and this could be an issue for those with a more involved infusion schedule. However, an infusion center may be an excellent option if your infusions tend to be on the lighter side.

Home Infusion Therapy

Home infusion therapy is when an infusion nurse travels to your home to deliver your infusion medication. For those with busy schedules, this is the ideal choice as it negates the need for travel and allows patients to feel comfortable in their own homes while receiving their therapy. Home infusion is also considered more cost-effective. Recent findings published by the National Library of Medicine found that home infusion saved between $1,928 and $2,974 per treatment course versus medical setting infusion costs. Yet, it’s important to note that ambulatory infusion therapy is also more cost-effective than hospital-based care.

At ContinuumRx, home infusion is our specialty, and we’ve been traveling to patients’ homes to deliver their treatment for over twenty years. We understand the convenience that home infusion offers, and we strive to provide simplified and accessible care for our patients throughout their infusion journey. To learn more about the home infusion process, read our blog, “What to Expect When Starting Home Infusion.”

One negative to home infusion that patients report is the lack of access to their medical team. While your physician will prescribe your home infusion and vet with the infusion provider, since the provider is carrying out the treatment, the patient’s physician will not be there to oversee the therapy. However, this is normally a concern when patients are just starting home infusion and may still be nervous about the process. Luckily, most patients typically become comfortable with their treatment quickly and even form friendships with their infusion nurses, who help ease the transition.

Whether you’re starting infusion at one of our Continuum Health infusion suites or at home with our skillful ContinuumRx infusion team, we are here to help make the transition comfortable and seamless. Contact us to learn more about our services!

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juvenile arthritis

How ContinuumRx Treats Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

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Arthritis is a condition that affects roughly 24% of all American adults. However, arthritis can also be an issue in children, and it is estimated that nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. have juvenile arthritis. Since July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to take a closer look at juvenile arthritis, specifically juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and discuss how ContinuumRx can treat JIA patients from home or at one of our infusion locations.

Causes and Symptoms

Simply put, JIA is an autoimmune or autoinflammatory condition caused when the immune system mistakes the tissues and cells surrounding joints for germs or viruses and attacks them. The exact reason JIA occurs is unknown, but it is the most common type of arthritis in children under sixteen. The severity of JIA differs by case, but the following symptoms are generally present in individuals with the disease:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Rashes, fevers, or swollen lymph nodes

While these symptoms are common for any arthritis patient, depending on the severity, they can cause issues with joint growth and development and inflict long-term damage on juvenile patients.

Treatment

There are various types of treatments for JIA, and some physicians may prescribe infusion therapy to help improve symptoms and prevent further joint damage.

Humira

One source of inflammation in patients with JIA is an overproduction of a hormone, tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Humira targets and blocks TNF-alpha, relieving symptoms of pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Humira can be administered in children two years or older and is commonly used to treat JIA patients and adults with arthritis.

Rituxan

Rituxan works differently from other arthritis infusion drugs since it is not a TNF inhibitor. Instead, Rituxan or rituximab works by depleting levels of B-cells in the body which is a cell type that is thought to cause swelling and joint pain. In a 2018 study, it was found that rituximab was a potentially effective treatment method for patients with JIA that did not respond to TNF inhibitor therapy.

Kineret

Kineret has been shown to be effective as an early treatment for JIA. This medication works by blocking the activity of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a protein that causes inflammation. In addition to JIA, Kineret is often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults, neonatal-onsite multisystem inflammatory disease, and deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

Orencia

Orencia can be used in children aged two or older to treat JIA. Orencia works by binding to two proteins that activate T cells which are primarily responsible for attacking joints in arthritis patients. These proteins are CD80 and CD86 and are located on the surface of specific immune cells. By blocking these proteins, Orencia decreases T cell proliferation and can reduce inflammation and other symptoms in patients with JIA and other forms of arthritis.

Since JIA is so complex, a physician will determine the best course of treatment for the patient. No matter which infusion medication your child is prescribed, ContinuumRx can help save you time and money by delivering your therapy from home or one of our comfortable and conveniently located infusion suites. Contact us today to learn more!

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Understanding Medicare Coverage and Home Infusion

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As of October 2021, nearly 64 million Americans were enrolled in Medicare, and since the agency’s beginnings in 1965, many have come to rely on Medicare services to cover their treatments. Patients undergoing infusion therapy are covered under Medicare. However, new guidelines for Medicare coverage, which went into effect in 2021, could still have some enrollees confused about how much of their home infusion is covered. Today, we’re taking a detailed look at Medicare coverage and home infusion.

Coverage

Medicare covers quite a lot of expenses related to home infusion. Original Medicare specifically covers home infusion under Medicare Part B, where plans pay for 80% of therapy costs. Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least as much as Original Medicare; however, the actual percentage covered varies by case. Unfortunately, Medicare Supplement plans which are the plans that pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare, do not usually cover home infusion.

Qualifications

Before beginning the enrollment process, it’s essential to know whether or not you qualify for Medicare coverage. To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

  • You must have a condition requiring home infusion and an established diagnosis of that condition.
  • Have a referral from your doctor.
  • The home infusion provider you choose must be Medicare-approved.
  • Any equipment purchased for home infusion must be from a Medicare-approved supplier.
  • You must pay your Medicare monthly premiums and satisfy any deductible your plan may have.

2021 Updates

In 2016, Medicare announced that home infusion therapy would be covered under Medicare Part B effective January 1, 2021. Medicare Part B, which we mentioned previously, covers all of the supplies used for home infusion, such as IV poles, tubing, pumping, etc. Medicare also announced that they would now cover some of the drugs used for home infusion under the guidelines that they were intravenous or IV treatments with infusions lasting for at least fifteen minutes. Part B also covers the fees from your infusion provider for at-home infusion treatments.

At ContinuumRx, we work with patients to ensure they get the maximum coverage for their infusion therapy, whether it be from home or one of our comfortable infusion suites. If you have questions about your Medicare coverage for home infusion, contact your ContinuumRx Patient Care Representative or contact Medicare directly. Are you interested in starting infusion therapy? Contact us today to learn more!

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Treating Severe Persistent Asthma with Biologic Therapy

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For most asthma sufferers, asthma can be adequately managed with inhaler therapy. Some patients, however, have more severe asthma episodes, more frequent symptoms, and more progressive disease. These asthma cases usually cannot be managed with inhaler therapy alone. Thankfully, biologic therapies exist, offering an additional option for severe asthma sufferers. These medications, referred to as “biologics”, target different biological pathways, allowing them to treat more serious diseases. They are available via the intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous route, meaning they are administered through a vein. This article will discuss available biologic therapies for severe persistent asthma.

Cinqair (reslizumab)

Use: Cinqair is a medication used to treat eosinophilic asthma. Eosinophilic asthma is a severe form of asthma characterized by increased white blood cell levels known as eosinophils, which are an important component of the body’s immune system.

Administration: Cinqair is administered intravenously at a dose of 3 mg/kg once every four weeks, with each infusion lasting between twenty to fifty minutes. It is suggested that patients undergo at least four months of treatment before determining treatment effectiveness.

Side effects: Cinqair can cause the following common side effects:

  • Sore throat
  • Increased creatine phosphokinase levels (an enzyme in the body)
  • Muscle pain
  • Severe allergic reactions (rare)

Fasenra (benralizumab)

Use: Fasenra is indicated for eosinophilic asthma, as it helps asthma symptoms by decreasing eosinophil levels in the blood.

Administration: Fasenra is given subcutaneously as a shot under the skin. It is administered at a dose of 30 mg every four weeks for the initial three doses and then once every eight weeks thereafter. It is suggested that patients undergo at least four months of treatment before determining treatment effectiveness.

Side effects: Fasenra can cause the following common side effects:

  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Severe allergic reactions (rare)

Nucala (mepolizumab)

Use: Nucala is indicated for eosinophilic asthma, as it helps asthma symptoms by decreasing eosinophil levels in the blood.

Administration: Nucala is given subcutaneously as a shot under the skin. It is administered at a dose of 100 mg every four weeks. It is suggested that patients undergo at least three to six months of treatment before determining treatment effectiveness.

Side effects: Nucala can cause the following common side effects:

  • Headache
  • Injection site reaction (e.g., burning, pain, itching, or swelling at the injection site)
  • Back pain
  • Joint discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Allergic reactions
  • Weakness

Dupixent (dupilumab)

Use: Dupixent is indicated for eosinophilic asthma, as it helps asthma symptoms by decreasing levels of inflammatory cells in the body.

Administration: Dupixent is given subcutaneously as a shot under the skin. It is administered at a dose of 400 mg once (given as two 200 mg injections) and then 200 mg every other week thereafter. It can also be given at a dose of 600 mg once (given as two 300 mg injections) and then 300 mg every other week thereafter. It is suggested that patients undergo at least four months of treatment before determining treatment effectiveness.

Side effects: Dupixent can cause the following common side effects:

  • Sore throat
  • Injection site reaction (e.g., pain and redness)
  • Increased eosinophil levels
  • Severe allergic reactions (rare)

Contact us if you are interested in learning how you can start your treatments with at home infusion therapy and bring more flexibility into your life.

References

  1. Biologic therapy for severe asthma. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17711-biologic-therapy-for-severe-asthma
  2. Lexicomp. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://online.lexi.com/lco/action/home
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Benefits of Infused Medications

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Several treatment options are available to help manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These options come in different forms and can be taken in various ways. Most commonly, IBD therapies are provided orally (PO), subcutaneously (SQ), or intravenously (IV). Each therapeutic option and route of administration carries its own benefits and risks. This article will discuss each of these options and why IV infusion therapy may be of particular benefit to patients.

Overview of IBD therapies and routes

IBD medications include corticosteroids, 5-ASA drugs, immunomodulatory agents, and biologics. Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why they are used for quick and short-term relief of IBD symptoms. Corticosteroids can be taken by mouth, as an enema, or via an IV infusion. In addition, 5-ASA medications, also known as aminosalicylic acids, are another common class of medication indicated for IBD that come in many forms. Mesalazine, for example, is available as oral tablets. Other types of 5-ASA drugs can be supplied as suppositories, foams, and enemas. IBD can also be treated with immunomodulatory agents such as azathioprine or methotrexate. Immunomodulatory agents are available in oral or injection formulations. Finally, IBD can be treated with biologic medications that are given IV1.

Benefits of IV medication

The intravenous route of administration delivers medication directly into your bloodstream. Because it utilizes this method, a medication can enter your bloodstream and system more quickly compared with other routes. When taking a drug by mouth, your body must undergo an absorption process that takes time and usually does not absorb 100 percent. IV infusion allows your body to achieve adequate drug levels in the blood faster, causing a more rapid and sustained therapeutic effect2. Because of this, IBD patients commonly turn to IV agents instead of oral or injection medications.

In the context of IBD, common infusions therapies can include biologic medications such as Remicade (infliximab), Entyvio (vedolizumab), Stelara (ustekinumab), or Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)3 These agents are highly efficacious, thereby providing relief to many patients with IBD. These therapies have a robust efficacy profile for IBD compared with other medications that are given orally or via SQ injection. They are particularly useful for IBD cases that are unresponsive to oral medications.

As an example, consider the treatment of Crohn’s disease, which is a form of IBD. One study evaluated how Remicade compares with conventional oral treatment for Crohn’s as first-line therapy (azathioprine). Results indicated that using Remicade as a first-line treatment achieved superior outcomes compared with azathioprine therapy alone. On average, patients receiving Remicade were more likely to achieve remission, demonstrating better efficacy4.

In addition to an improved efficacy profile with IV infusion therapy, some patients prefer IV administration for convenience and safety purposes, particularly compared with subcutaneous delivery. Some patients may prefer IV administration under medical supervision as opposed to self-injecting medication themselves. This also allows for greater compliance due to the oversight of a medical professional. Additionally, IV infusions are usually less frequent, occurring every eight weeks as opposed to every one to two weeks. This can provide greater convenience for the patient5. IBD patients can receive infusion therapy at home or at a conveniently located infusion center with ContinuumRx and Continuum Health. Contact us to onboard your therapy today!

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References

  1. Medication for inflammatory bowel disease in adults. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://nyulangone.org/conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-adults/treatments/medication-for-inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-adults
  2. Routes of drug administration. (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801238-3.11099-2
  3. Infusion therapy for Crohn’s disease. (n.d.). Infusion Associates. Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://infusionassociates.com/infusion-therapy/crohns-disease/
  4. Jongsma, M. M. E., Aardoom, M. A., Cozijnsen, M. A., van Pieterson, M., de Meij, T., Groeneweg, M., Norbruis, O. F., Wolters, V. M., van Wering, H. M., Hojsak, I., Kolho, K.-L., Hummel, T., Stapelbroek, J., van der Feen, C., van Rheenen, P. F., van Wijk, M. P., Teklenburg-Roord, S. T. A., Schreurs, M. W. J., Rizopoulos, D., … de Ridder, L. (2022). First-line treatment with infliximab versus conventional treatment in children with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease: An open-label multicentre randomised controlled trial. Gut, 71(1), 34–42. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2020-322339
  5. Jonaitis, L., Marković, S., Farkas, K., Gheorghe, L., Krznarić, Ž., Salupere, R., Mokricka, V., Spassova, Z., Gatev, D., Grosu, I., Lijović, A., Mitrović, O., Saje, M., Schafer, E., Uršič, V., Roblek, T., & Drobne, D. (2021). Intravenous versus subcutaneous delivery of biotherapeutics in IBD: An expert’s and patient’s perspective. BMC Proceedings, 15(17), 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12919-021-00230-7
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Treating Multiple Sclerosis With ContinuumRx Infusion Services

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath, or the protective barrier surrounding nerves. MS can cause side effects such as numbness or weakness in limbs, issues with motor function, and fatigue. While MS has no known cure, with treatment, patients can experience significant relief from existing symptoms.

Infusion Therapy for MS

Infusion therapy is a treatment where medication is administered directly into the bloodstream intravenously (IV). Most infusion treatments for MS are disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) meaning they suppress the immune system in order to prevent further damage to the myelin sheath. With infusion therapy, some patients may experience a slowed progression of the disease.

It’s important to talk with your doctor to understand your condition and determine if infusion therapy is the best course of treatment. Not all DMTs work the same either, that’s why a physician’s expertise is necessary to determine the infusion medication that is best suited for the patient.

Infusion Medication for MS

There are various infusion drugs that ContinuumRx uses to treat MS, each with its own benefits. Today, we’re highlighting three MS infusion drugs.

• Tysabri (Natalizumab)

Tysabri is an immunosuppressive drug that can subdue the immune system from attacking the nerves, thus improving MS side effects. It is given intravenously once every twenty-eight days and has been shown to reduce the formation of new active brain lesions and reduce the number of relapses in MS patients.

• Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab)

Ocrevus is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. The conditions include but are not limited to the clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. When starting Ocrevus, patients will have two initial sessions, each taking place two weeks apart. Following this, they will be given a dose every six months unless otherwise indicated by their physician.

• Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab)

Lemtrada is another infusion medication that works by targeting cells thought to be damaging the myelin sheath. With consistent treatment, Lemtrada removes these cells and improves relapsing MS symptoms over time. Patients beginning Lemtrada will have 8 days of infusion spread over 2 rounds of treatment in approximately twelve months’ time. Treatment following your last infusion will vary by case.

Home Infusion Therapy

While infusion therapy can help slow the progression of MS and even grant some patients remission, the time and cost for travel to and from the hospital can impact patients beyond their bottom line. Home infusion with ContinuumRx allows patients to take back their freedom by delivering their treatment from home. This means patients can receive MS infusions with minimal disruptions to their everyday life and schedules.

If you’re interested in starting home infusion and bringing more flexibility into your life despite your treatment, then contact us for more information on our onboarding process!

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