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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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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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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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

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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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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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

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

The transition from a hospital, doctor’s office, or infusion site-based care to home infusion is a welcome change for those struggling to manage their treatment schedules and their personal lives. However, while you may be an expert at navigating your standard infusion therapy, home infusion may bring on a slew of unexpected considerations. So, today we’re explaining what patients can expect when starting home infusion for the first time and how they can prepare.

1. Supplies

Infusion therapy always requires a lot of supplies; bags, bottles, tubes, poles, alcohol swabs, needles, the list goes on. At an infusion center, a patient would hardly notice; however, in a home, these supplies can take up a lot of space and even get lost in the shuffle. In preparation for your home infusion, consider designating an area for your infusion supplies and keep any supplies your infusion nurse doesn’t travel with in a secure space. Proper organization will help keep things in order and ensure that you are ready for your sessions.

You should also pay attention to the storage instructions listed on your medications, as some medicines need to be stored at specific temperatures. Again, this is another reason to keep your supplies organized and accounted for in your home.

2. Accessibility

For some patients, receiving your infusions at home will grant you the freedom to move around your house during sessions and accomplish other tasks. While this is a significant upgrade from being chair-bound in an infusion center or hospital, you will likely still need a pole to hold your IV. For homes with many stairs or areas that are not easily accessible, this can be an issue. So, before beginning your treatment, ensure that all areas of your home that you will need to reach during your treatment are accessible with the IV pole.

If your home is not accessible with your IV pole, consult with your physician and see if you qualify for a pump. A pump is a portable device that can administer your medication and allow you to move more freely. With a pump, patients can complete most daily tasks while receiving their treatment.

3. Infusion Nurse

A home infusion nurse will act as your guide through the home infusion process. During your first few visits, your infusion nurse will walk you through the process and monitor you for any reactions to your medication. Depending on the patient and treatment, nurses may not have to visit patients as frequently, and eventually, patients may be able to deliver their own treatment.

While you may not need the aid of your infusion nurse for long, it’s essential to know that our ContinuumRx team consists of on-call nurses, clinicians, and pharmacists that are just a phone call away in case you run into any issues during treatment. If you are not confident with administering your medication for any reason, an infusion nurse will promptly travel to your home to help.

4. Flexibility

We don’t have to tell you about the flexibility that home infusion provides patients. However, you might not consider the positive impact it can have on families. Receiving infusion therapy at a hospital, doctor’s office, or infusion center is expensive and inconvenient for most. In addition, if a family member is driving a patient to and from infusions, this can be time-consuming for everyone and impact your family’s personal lives as well as your own.

By beginning home infusion treatment, your time will feel like yours again. Rather than spending hours in a hospital wishing you had remembered to bring your laptop or tablet along, you can be comfortable at home, and your family can resume their regular daily routines.

Are you interested in home infusion? At ContinuumRx, we’ve been in the business for over twenty years, helping our patients get the care they need in the most convenient way possible. Our skilled team will travel to your home to deliver your infusion at a time that works around your schedule. Learn more about our services by clicking below!

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How a Healthy Lifestyle Can Contribute to Improved Health In Patients Receiving Infusion Therapy

It’s no secret that proper nutrition and healthy habits such as exercise can contribute to long-term health. This is true for nearly all people, especially those treated with infusion therapy. However, changing a patient’s nutritional habits and adding exercise into their routines are concepts that are often overlooked when it comes to treatment plans. While exercising and eating well can seldom reverse a diagnosis, they can work with your infusion therapy to improve overall health. Today, we’re exploring some ways you can incorporate healthy habits into your treatment plan.

Nutrition

You know the basics, five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day, twenty-five to thirty-five grams of fiber per day, so on and so forth. However, these nutrition rules do not include the specific needs of certain infusion patients and, therefore, can leave them in the dark about what proper nutrition should look like for their condition. For example, while a person with no underlying conditions can include starchy vegetables in their diet, patients with diabetes should avoid starchy vegetables to keep blood sugar levels low.

All infusion patients need to know how to eat correctly for their condition, and the best way to learn is to consult one’s physician. However, patients can also research on their own through accredited nutritional sources such as The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the United States Department of Agriculture’s nutrition website. Both of these websites provide accurate and helpful information about healthy eating.

Physical Activity

According to the Mayo Clinic, most individuals should aim for thirty minutes of exercise or physical movement per day. Regular physical activity has been proven to reduce stress, improve health, and prevent disease. In addition, by incorporating physical activity into their treatment plan, patients can even lessen the severity of their symptoms. For example, as stated in an article by the Case Managers Society of America, “…breaking up sedentary time (such as screen time) further decreases the risk of pre-diabetes being converted to diabetes.”

BreastCancer.org also stated in a recent article that although exercising while undergoing chemotherapy treatment may be difficult, it can help ease some side effects like fatigue and nausea. Of course, while this is all convincing enough for one to start an exercise program, it’s important to note that beginning long, strenuous exercise is not sustainable and could harm the patient more than help. Therefore, patients should start slowly by incorporating thirty-minute walks into their day and as they gain more strength and endurance, add onto this routine.

While it may feel challenging to switch to healthier habits, making healthier choices is simple if your infusion schedule has more flexibility. At ContinuumRx, we’ll deliver your infusion therapy from home at a time that’s convenient for you. Or you can visit us at one of our comfortable infusion suites where patients are promptly infused; no waiting rooms. Contact us to find a location near you!

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