Infusion Therapy

Infusion therapy can help treat inflammatory gastrointestinal illnesses, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, that often do not respond to oral antibiotics or lifestyle changes. Medication or nutrients are dispensed directly into the vein through a needle or catheter. Infusion treatments are usually administered every few weeks and take 1-3 hours. Your gastroenterologist will provide specific instructions for your infusion schedule.

Florida Digestive Health Specialists has convenient locations in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Pinellas counties for our patients who will benefit from infusion and injection therapy. You can visit any of these locations, regardless of where your FDHS gastroenterologist practices. Offering infusion therapy within our network ensures continuity of care and communication between our infusion nurses and your provider.

Biologics

If you are diagnosed with moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), your gastroenterologist may recommend considering biologic injections as part of your treatment plan. Biologics are advanced medications developed from living cells and designed to specifically target and inhibit certain pathways in the immune system that lead to inflammation.

These medications are particularly effective for managing conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are the two main forms of IBD. Biologics can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms, helping improve the quality of life for many patients. In some cases, they may be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as immunosuppressants, to enhance overall effectiveness and provide a more comprehensive approach to managing your condition.

It is important to note that biologics cannot be administered orally. Because they are proteins, the digestive system would break them down before they could take effect. Instead, these medications are typically given as injections or infusions, allowing them to enter the bloodstream directly and work effectively within the body. Your doctor will provide you with more information regarding the specific types of biologics available, how they are administered, and what to expect in terms of potential benefits and side effects.

Medications

We offer the following infusion medications and treatments: 

• ENTYVIO®
• OMVOH®
• REMICADE®
• RENFLEXIS®
• SKYRIZI®
• Vitamin B12