Lupus Infusion Therapy
Treatment for Lupus Symptoms
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain throughout the body, and some treatment plans include lupus infusion therapy. Having the right treatment plan for a chronic illness can help you manage your symptoms and teach you how to live with your diagnosis.
What Is Lupus?
In lupus and other autoimmune diseases, your body’s immune system attacks your tissues and organs. Inflammation and pain caused by lupus can occur in the joints, kidneys, skin, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
Though anyone can develop lupus, it is more common in women ages 15-44, people of color, or people with a family history of lupus or another autoimmune disease.
Aside from being in one of these groups, there isn’t a known cause of lupus. However, some experts think it may develop in response to certain hormones or environmental triggers.
Symptoms Treated by Lupus Infusion Therapy
Lupus symptoms can vary from mild to severe, with onset developing slowly in some patients and more suddenly in others.
Perhaps the most distinctive sign of lupus is the appearance of a butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Other common symptoms include:
- fatigue
- fever
- joint pain or stiffness
- rash
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- dry eyes
- headaches
- confusion or memory loss
Many of the symptoms of lupus can be treated with lupus infusion therapy.
Diagnosing Lupus
A single test for lupus doesn’t exist, so diagnosing a patient with lupus is often done by completing various tests and evaluations.
Blood tests, urine tests, and biopsies may all be involved in the journey to a lupus diagnosis. Your doctor will review your test results, symptoms, medical history, and family history.
If you think you may be experiencing lupus symptoms, logging the frequency and severity in a notebook can help your doctor during the diagnosis process. You will need a diagnosis from your referring provider before starting lupus infusion therapy.
Lupus Infusion Therapy
There are prescription creams and oral medications to help manage the symptoms of lupus, but if these medications aren’t enough, lupus infusion therapy can improve symptoms and quality of life. Lupus infusion medication is administered intravenously with an infusion pump and a catheter at a hospital, clinic, or infusion center.
Benlysta and Saphelo are lupus infusion therapies that can help protect against infections, boost low platelet or red blood cell counts, and improve immune system function. They are also a good option for those who may not tolerate oral medications, especially steroids.
If you and your physician determine the best course of treatment is lupus infusion therapy medication to manage symptoms, FlexCare Infusion Centers is here for you.
Get Started with Lupus Infusion Therapy
For Patients Seeking Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with Lupus, talk to your doctor about lupus infusion therapy with Benlysta or Saphnelo. Ask your provider to submit a referral form for treatment.
For Referring Providers
If you’d like to refer a patient to FlexCare Infusion Centers, complete a referral form and fax or email it to our intake team.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about lupus or infusion therapy, contact us directly. We look forward to helping you on your journey to better health.