If you’re taking biologic infusions for psoriatic arthritis, there’s one major difference from other treatments: You won’t be doing it yourself. These medications are administered intravenously by a healthcare professional, typically in a doctor’s office or infusion center. That means you probably need to schedule appointments in advance, which requires some planning on your part.
While that extra planning can feel like one more thing on your to-do list, it’s likely well worth it. Infused biologics can be an effective treatment for psoriatic arthritis — either on its own or as part of a combination approach — especially if you haven’t responded to other therapies or prefer not to self-inject at home, says Christopher R. Morris, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist at Arthritis Associates of Kingsport in Tennessee and an American College of Rheumatology Master. Another benefit is peace of mind, knowing the medication is properly stored and handled by healthcare professionals. Treatments are often spaced out every four or eight weeks.
With a little planning, you can make infusion appointments fit more smoothly into your routine. These tips may help.
1. Time It Right With Your Previous Dose
Your doctor should give you a schedule that dictates exactly how often you need infusion appointments, based on the specific medication you’re prescribed, says Shailendra Singh, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist at Unity Health in Searcy, Arkansas.
Many treatments begin with induction or loading doses, which are given more often or in larger amounts at first, before transitioning to a maintenance schedule with consistent timing between infusions.
Once you’re on that maintenance dose, sticking to a regular schedule is key, says Dr. Singh. For example, if the infusion is every four weeks, your doctor or infusion center will likely recommend booking appointments on the same day of the week each cycle to help keep treatment on track.
2. Make It Work With Your Schedule — and Your Infusion Buddy’s
Before booking, find out how long the infusion will take. Some psoriatic arthritis infusions take about 30 minutes, while others can last up to four hours, says Dr. Morris. So you’ll want to plan your day accordingly.
If you work, consider how appointments fit into your schedule, and talk with your employer about any time off or flexibility you may need for medical treatments. For example, says Singh, schedule early-morning infusions after a night shift and then go home to sleep. Or bring your laptop and work remotely while you’re getting an infusion.
It’s also important to coordinate with a friend or family member who can come along with you. “For a first appointment, we tell people to bring someone with them in case they have an allergic reaction or the medication makes them drowsy,” says Singh. “That way, they have someone to drive them back, especially for the first few visits.”
3. Factor in the Possibility of Side Effects
The most common reaction people with psoriatic arthritis have to an infusion is an allergic response, says Singh. Infusion center staff are trained to spot signs of a reaction, such as hives or changes in breathing, and manage them quickly. Another common side effect is drowsiness, which tends to be most noticeable during the first few treatments.
Try scheduling your infusion appointments on days when you don’t feel rushed and can take it easy afterward, Singh advises. This can help make the experience more comfortable, especially as you learn how your body responds to the medication.
“Some people prefer to schedule their infusions at the end of the workweek — like on a Friday — in case they feel drained after their infusions, to help reduce the amount of time off from work needed,” says Angie Swatsenbarg, lead clinic nurse at Infusion Specialists in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
4. Get to Know Your Center and Your Personal Preferences
As you become more familiar with the infusion routine, you may decide to experiment with the time and day of week you get it, to see what works best for you.
Some people prefer early morning slots, such as 8:00 a.m., so they can get the infusion done and move on with the rest of their day, says Morris. Early appointments also tend to come with fewer delays, since offices are more likely to fall behind schedule as the day goes on.
You might also discover that certain times of day better suit your comfort level. For example, quieter times of day can offer a more relaxed experience, while busier times may give you a chance to connect with others who are also getting treatment.
“Some people get to know each other, because they’re on the same schedule a lot, so they get to chat with one another,” says Morris. “It’s a nice little advantage of getting to sit there and relax, and it’s a bit of an inner sanctum.”
5. Consider Timing an Infusion With a Blood Draw
If you need routine blood work, ask if it can be done with your infusion. This may be especially helpful if you don’t like needles. It can also save you time, as you’ll have one less appointment to schedule.
“We can draw blood and then start the IV right then and there,” says Morris. “This way you’re not getting multiple sticks [with a needle.]”
6. Book Your Next Few Appointments
Once you find a day and time that works well for you, see how far out you can book future visits.
“Scheduling multiple appointments in advance gives you a greater ability to choose dates and times that you prefer,” says Swatsenbarg. “Some people find it helpful to schedule all their treatments at the same time for each visit, such as the first Monday of every month at 1:00 p.m.” This helps it become a predictable part of your routine.
7. Keep Your Doctor Informed of Anything Else Going On
“Tell your rheumatologist everything that’s going on with you — for example, if you get an infection or you have surgery coming up,” says Singh.
Biologic medications suppress the immune system, which can affect how you heal, he says. If you have an infection — especially if you’re taking an antibiotic — it’s important to call your doctor or infusion center in advance and ask if you need to reschedule.
For planned surgical procedures, your care team may be able to time your infusion schedule around the surgery to support proper healing while keeping psoriatic arthritis treatment on track. Discuss your options with your doctor.
8. Follow Up With Your Rheumatologist Regularly
Routine visits with your rheumatologist are an important part of psoriatic arthritis treatment. According to Singh, it’s customary to follow up about every three months to monitor progress and watch for any side effects while taking biologics.
Biologic infusions tend to work quickly. “Some people notice improvements as soon as two to three weeks. But sometimes it takes longer, usually around eight to 12 weeks for most of the medications,” says Singh.
Others may need to adjust the dose, add a medication, or switch to a different treatment to achieve optimal results, says Morris.
The ultimate goal of psoriatic arthritis treatment is to reduce inflammation to help ease pain, improve symptoms, and prevent the disease from progressing, says Singh. These appointments give your doctor a chance to assess how well the medication is working and make adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
- Biologic infusions are given by a healthcare professional on a set schedule, so you’ll need to plan and book treatment appointments in advance.
- Choose appointment times that fit your routine and allow for possible side effects. Once you find a good slot, try to schedule multiple visits ahead of time for consistency.
- Keep your doctor informed about infections and upcoming procedures, and check in regularly to monitor progress and adjust treatment if needed.
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