What to Expect from Infusion Therapy for Lupus

At Jean Walter Infusions, we understand that patients often have questions regarding what to expect during infusion therapy for lupus. The duration of an infusion session at our clinic varies according to the specific medication prescribed and each patient’s unique needs and medical history.

Common lupus treatments administered intravenously include medications. Typically, a belimumab infusion session lasts approximately one hour; however, your overall appointment time may be longer due to preparation, pre-medication, and careful monitoring by our experienced nursing staff.

Rituximab therapy sessions generally require more time, typically lasting around four to six hours per infusion, particularly during initial treatments. Patient safety and comfort are our highest priorities, so our healthcare professionals will closely monitor your progress throughout the infusion and adjust the infusion rate based on your body’s tolerance and response.

We encourage all our patients receiving lupus infusion therapy to discuss their personalized infusion plan with our healthcare professionals. We are here to answer your questions, ensure your comfort, and provide the highest quality of care throughout your treatment process.

At Jean Walter Infusions, we understand that infusion therapy for lupus must be personalized to meet the unique needs of each patient. The frequency of your infusion treatments will depend on several critical factors, including symptom severity, the specific medications prescribed, and your response to therapy.

For example, medications administered intravenously at our clinic, such as belimumab and rituximab, have distinct treatment schedules. Belimumab infusions typically begin with an initial schedule of once every two weeks for the first few doses, followed by ongoing monthly maintenance treatments. Rituximab infusions, another therapeutic option we offer, are usually administered less frequently—often two initial treatments followed by maintenance infusions approximately every six months, tailored specifically to your clinical progress.

At Jean Walter Infusions, our dedicated team, in close collaboration with your rheumatologist or primary healthcare provider, will closely monitor your disease activity, symptom management, and overall health. Regular evaluations through physical examinations, laboratory testing, and symptom assessments enable us to fine-tune your treatment schedule effectively. Our goal is to provide you with the safest, most effective infusion therapy customized precisely to your needs.

We encourage you to maintain regular appointments and maintain open communication with our healthcare professionals, ensuring your infusion treatments continue to support your health and quality of life.

Patients at Jean Walter Infusions frequently report remarkable improvements in joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, resulting in improved mobility and reduced discomfort. Our infusion therapies help significantly decrease fatigue—one of the most common and challenging symptoms associated with lupus—allowing patients to regain energy and resume their daily activities with greater ease.

In addition, our specialized infusion treatments can effectively alleviate skin issues associated with lupus, such as rashes and lesions, promoting clearer, healthier skin. Patients also experience fewer episodes of fever and reduced feelings of malaise, leading to improved general wellness and comfort.

At Jean Walter Infusions, protecting organ health is an essential component of our infusion programs. Our therapies are tailored to reduce inflammation in vital organs, including the kidneys (lupus nephritis), lungs, and heart, significantly improving organ function and preventing further complications.

Furthermore, our infusion treatments have shown considerable success in alleviating neurological symptoms commonly experienced by lupus patients, such as headaches and cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”). By consistently managing inflammation and autoimmune responses, our infusion therapies help patients achieve improved mental clarity, stability, and overall well-being.

We understand that each patient’s response to infusion therapy may vary, which is why our dedicated healthcare professionals take the time to discuss personalized care plans, expectations, and goals. We are committed to guiding you through every step of your wellness journey, ensuring the best possible outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

At Jean Walter Infusions, your safety, comfort, and successful treatment outcomes are our top priorities. Before beginning infusion therapy for lupus, our dedicated healthcare team will guide you through several essential steps to ensure your therapy is safe, comfortable, and effective.

Initial Medical Evaluation

Our experienced medical professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation before your infusion therapy. This evaluation includes reviewing your medical history, current medications, allergies, and any previous reactions to medications or infusions. We’ll also perform important laboratory tests—such as blood work, kidney and liver function tests, and possibly urine analysis—to establish baseline measurements and monitor your body’s response throughout your treatment.

Personalized Treatment Discussion

We take time to explain every detail of your infusion therapy. You’ll receive clear information about your specific medication, dosage, potential side effects, and expected outcomes. We encourage you to inform us about any recent illnesses, infections, vaccinations, or upcoming medical procedures, as these factors can impact your infusion schedule and eligibility.

Preparing for Your Infusion Visit

To ensure the best experience during your visit, we recommend:

Staying well-hydrated by consuming adequate fluids beforehand, unless otherwise instructed by our staff.

Taking any prescribed pre-medications (such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or acetaminophen) as directed by our healthcare providers to minimize the risk of infusion reactions.

Dress comfortably and bring personal items, such as books, electronic devices, or music, to help you relax during your infusion session, as treatments often last several hours.

Plan reliable transportation to and from Jean Walter Infusions, especially for your initial sessions, since some medications may cause fatigue or temporary side effects.

Post-Infusion Care and Follow-Up

Our care does not end when your infusion session concludes. Our team will provide clear instructions on identifying and managing potential side effects or infusion reactions. You’ll also receive emergency contact information, empowering you to confidently address any concerns after leaving our facility.

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your response to treatment, make any necessary adjustments, and optimize the management of your lupus symptoms.

At Jean Walter Infusions, we understand the impact Lupus can have on your daily life, and our goal is to offer you relief through personalized infusion therapy. Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, and our compassionate team are dedicated to tailoring treatments that specifically address your symptoms and needs. By delivering customized infusions, we aim to reduce inflammation, improve energy, and ease discomforts such as joint pain and fatigue, helping you regain control over your health. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Catonsville MD, Rosedale MD, Columbia MD, Glen Burnie MD, Edgewater MD, North Baltimore MD Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Hebbville MD, and Woodlawn MD.