Infusion Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis in Columbia, MD

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, our team of medical professionals, led by Dr. Nasser Nasseri, is equipped to administer intravenous infusion therapy for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. We understand how challenging managing a chronic inflammatory bowel disease can be, and our goal is to provide the best possible care to help alleviate your symptoms.

We individualize each patient’s treatment based on the severity of their disease, overall health, and response to previous treatments. Our center routinely administers biologics such as Infliximab, Adalimumab, Vedolizumab, and Ustekinumab, which are immune-modulating drugs that effectively reduce inflammation.

Our treatment plan may also incorporate immunosuppressants or immunomodulators, such as Azathioprine and 6-Mercaptopurine, to control inflammation and prevent further damage to the colon.

In severe cases, we may administer corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, and prednisone, intravenously. While these potent anti-inflammatory drugs can help to rapidly reduce symptoms, we closely monitor their usage due to potential side effects.

Amino Salicylates, including Mesalamine, Olsalazine, and Sulfasalazine, are another class of drugs we use that act directly on the lining of the colon to control symptoms and reduce inflammation.

In some situations, we may recommend antibiotics via infusion therapy, especially in cases where infection is present or to prevent infection during treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.

Providers at the Jean Walter Infusion Center work with patients to help them achieve symptom relief and improve their quality of life. Under the guidance of Dr. Nasseri, we ensure that every treatment is administered under medical supervision and requires regular monitoring to ensure effectiveness and minimize potential side effects.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to inflammation as well as ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. While there is currently no cure for UC, treatment aims to control inflammation and alleviate symptoms. At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, we offer infusion therapy, a form of treatment that has shown the potential to induce remission in patients with UC.

Infusion therapy is a method used when oral medications are ineffective or when the disease is severe. It allows for higher concentrations of medication to reach the affected area quickly and effectively.

At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, our expert healthcare professionals, including Dr. Nasser Nasseri, administer common medications used in infusion therapy for UC. These include biologics, which are drugs derived from living organisms that work by targeting specific proteins that contribute to inflammation. We also use Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and Vedolizumab, which block inflammatory signaling pathways and target proteins expressed on immune cells contributing to UC inflammation.

Our infusion therapy has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and associated symptoms and may also induce and maintain clinical remission. However, while infusion therapy can help manage symptoms, it is not considered a cure for UC and may not be universally effective for every patient.

Patients who have not as yet responded to other medications, such as corticosteroids or immunomodulators, may be considered for infusion therapy at the Jean Walter Infusion Center. Our experienced gastroenterologist, Dr. Nasser Nasseri, will consult with you to decide whether to initiate infusion therapy.

During infusion therapy, our healthcare providers closely monitor patients, conducting regular check-ups and tests to assess your response to the treatment and make adjustments as necessary. We also ensure that patients adhere to their treatment plan and attend regular follow-up appointments to manage potential side effects.

While infusion therapy is not a guaranteed solution, it can be a beneficial treatment option that could potentially put UC into remission for some patients. We ensure to discuss all available treatment options with our patients to determine the best approach for managing UC.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we strive to provide our patients with an in-depth understanding of the treatment methods we use, such as infusion therapy for ulcerative colitis. Infusion therapy, or intravenous therapy, is a method where we deliver medication directly into your veins, commonly used when oral consumption isn’t effective or when quick action is needed.

Once you arrive at our practice, a skilled nurse or healthcare professional will review your medical history and confirm the type of infusion to be administered. The procedure involves establishing intravenous (IV) access, where a small needle is inserted into your vein and subsequently connected to a tube linked to a bag containing the medication.

The initial infusion therapy session at our practice might last 2 to 3 hours, allowing us to monitor your body’s initial response to the medication. The following sessions generally take less time, often around 30 minutes to an hour. Throughout the therapy, we closely monitor your vital signs, checking for any adverse reactions.

At Jean Walter Infusion Center, we prioritize patient comfort. It’s important to let us know if you experience any discomfort or changes such as itching, hives, flushing, nausea, vomiting, headaches, fever, or chills.

Upon completion, we will remove the IV line and allow you to rest before discharge. You may wish to contact someone to arrange for a ride home after your first session, as you might feel tired or experience unexpected side effects.

Depending on your specific case of ulcerative colitis, you may need to attend infusion sessions every few weeks or months. Dr. Nasser Nasseri will discuss this with you and create a treatment schedule according to your specific needs.

To ensure a positive experience, try to hydrate before and after the infusion, wear comfortable clothing, and consider bringing a book or entertainment device. If you feel any discomfort or anxiety, don’t hesitate to inform our team. At the Jean Walter Infusion Center, we understand that everyone’s experience with infusion therapy can vary, and open communication is key. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5500 Knoll North Dr, Suite 250A, Columbia, MD 21045. We serve patients from Columbia, MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, and surrounding areas.