Injection v Infusion
My doctor and I are discussing switching from my Cosentyx injection to a monthly infusion. We believe the “one dose fits all” of the injections may be too harsh on my immune system, causing some unpleasant side effects, so the weight based dosing of the IV may be better suited.
Has anyone else made the switch to IV? Pros and cons? What has that experience been like?
Something about the IV makes me feel “sick”, which is something I battle with. I’m only in my 20s so this disease has been very tough, physically and mentally.
Thanks in advance!
- it's understandable that you are concerned about recvg IV biological medications. I made the switch from oral to IV in my journey to manage spondyloarthritis pain and fatigue. I was put on both Remicade and Simponi Aria at different times. Though I am not weary of needles and sitting with an IV set up, I had a general sense of apprehension. My rheumatologist's office has its own infusion center. It was quite nice as my other alternative was to travel a bit to another much farther away at an unfamiliar hospital. So having this infusion had the benefits of a familiar surrounding. Once there, the nurse(s) introduced themselves, offered a lounge chair and blanket, and clarified my name, dob, and which med I was there to recv. Meanwhile, there are 3 or 4 other patients there doing the same thing in different stages of treatment. There's water and a TV or you can bring a book and read or listen to music as you recv your biological. They offer you meds to control any side effects. After prepping your arm for the IV and beginning your medication, the nurse will advise you on what to expect and state that sometimes there may be side effects and if you experience any they will stop. At my initial visit, I had side effects and they stopped and gave me more allergy and pain meds. I rested a bit and restarted. I was much better following this and went through the process. Some infusions are 1/2 hour, and some are 3-4 hours depending on the medication. I felt welcomed there, taken care of, and managed very well. I was even offered water and a snack. I do hope this helps. It may seem scary, but I felt quite rested and well looked after. You are advised to monitor yourself in the following days as there may be other side effects, especially following your first treatment. All my treatments went off without a hitch and I felt better with treatment. Do you have any other questions? How can we help? I do hope others write about their experience. I am sure many in our community have gone through this. With much care - Rebecca (team member) Hi
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Thanks for reaching out. That is a great question.
Hopefully others that have been through both can share their experiences here.
There are obviously pros and cons to both.
Have you started the IV treatment yet? ~Doreen (Team Member)
