Biologics are often prescribed by gastroenterologists for patients battling moderate-to-severe Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis when other forms of medication, such as immunosuppressants or steroids haven’t been effective, or side effects have been hard to manage.
Designed to treat autoimmune disorders or a condition in which your immune system is attacking your own healthy tissue, biologics work by targeting a specific piece of your malfunctioning immune system, trying to stop that one part from acting out.
Palmetto Infusion treats thousands of Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients each year with biologics and biosimilars.
Those infusions include:
Infliximab (Remicade, Inflectra, Renflexis, Avsola)
This treatment works by blocking the actions of a certain natural substance in the body, decreasing swelling (inflammation), and weakening the immune system, which slows or stops the damage from Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
Ustekinumab (Stelara)
This treatment is specifically for Crohn’s Disease patients and works by targeting and blocking the action of two proteins (cytokines) in the body called IL-12 and IL-23. These specific proteins are involved in causing inflammation in the bowel.
Vedolizumab (Entyvio)
This treatment works by preventing an excess of white blood cells from entering the GI tract. The medication binds to a protein on the GI-directed white blood cells, keeping them from entering the GI tract. With fewer white blood cells in the GI tract, the treatment helps to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
This treatment, specifically for Crohn’s Disease patients, works by reducing the activity of the immune system. It is made up of a monoclonal antibody that has attached to a chemical called polyethylene glycol. The medication is designed to attach to a messenger protein in the body called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). This messenger is involved in causing inflammation and is found at high levels in patients with the diseases that Cimzia is used for. By blocking TNF-alpha, certolizumab pegol reduces inflammation and other symptoms of the disease.
These treatments are offered at Palmetto Infusion in all 30 clinics across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. If you’re interested in starting or continuing your IBD treatment at Palmetto Infusion, talk to your prescribing physician about starting the referral process. If you need additional information, please reach out to info@palmettoinfusion.com or call 800.809.1265.