What autoimmune disease is treated with infusions?

Many autoimmune diseases are treated with infusion therapy, which delivers powerful medications directly into the bloodstream to suppress overactive immune responses, reduce inflammation, and manage flares. These IV treatments are often used when oral medications are ineffective or when a faster, more targeted response is needed.

Here are the most common autoimmune conditions treated with infusion therapy and the types of drugs used:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain.

• Common infusion drugs:
  • Remicade® (infliximab)
  • Rituxan® (rituximab)
  • Actemra® (tocilizumab)

These biologic medications help reduce joint inflammation and slow disease progression.

2. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
These are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

• Infused treatments include:
  • Entyvio® (vedolizumab)
  • Remicade® (infliximab)
  • Stelara® (ustekinumab)

Infusions are used when oral medications can’t control intestinal inflammation or when fast remission is needed.

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a neurological autoimmune disease that damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

• IV infusion options:
  • Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab)
  • Tysabri® (natalizumab)
  • Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab)

These medications help prevent relapses and slow disease progression.

4. Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – SLE)
Lupus causes inflammation in joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs.

• Infusion therapy drugs:
  • Benlysta® (belimumab)
  • IV corticosteroids for acute flares

Benlysta is the first FDA-approved biologic for lupus and can reduce disease activity over time.

5. Psoriatic Arthritis
This autoimmune condition causes joint pain and swelling along with psoriasis (skin symptoms).

• Infused treatments:
  • Simponi Aria® (golimumab)
  • Remicade® (infliximab)
  • Cosentyx® (secukinumab, sometimes IV)

These therapies reduce inflammation and joint damage.

6. Ankylosing Spondylitis
A type of spinal arthritis that can cause chronic back pain and stiffness.

• Common infusion options:
  • Remicade®
  • Simponi Aria®
  • Cosentyx®

These IV drugs help relieve spinal inflammation and improve mobility.

7. Vasculitis
This refers to inflammation of blood vessels and can damage organs if untreated.

• IV medications include:
  • Rituxan®
  • High-dose IV corticosteroids
  • Cyclophosphamide (for severe cases)

Infusion therapy can help suppress the immune system quickly in severe flares.

8. Myasthenia Gravis
An autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.

• IV options include:
  • IVIG (Intravenous immunoglobulin)
  • Soliris® (eculizumab)

These treatments reduce harmful antibodies and improve muscle strength.

9. CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy)
A rare neurological autoimmune disorder that damages peripheral nerves.

• Treated with:
  • IVIG
  • Plasmapheresis (sometimes used alongside IV)

Infusion therapy is crucial in maintaining nerve function and reducing disability.

Final thought

Infusion therapy is an essential treatment option for many autoimmune diseases that require long-term immune suppression or anti-inflammatory support. These IV medications help reduce symptoms, prevent organ damage, and improve quality of life—especially when oral options aren’t enough.

If symptoms get worse or don’t improve, visit your local urgent care provider for professional evaluation.
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