Did you know that lupus affects 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts different body parts. It happens when the immune system wrongly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and more.
While there is no cure for lupus, there are various treatments that can manage symptoms and improve life quality. Infusion therapy is one option we offer at Suite Life to help manage lupus. Our healthcare team will create a personalized plan tailored to your needs, helping you lead a fulfilling life with lupus. Schedule an appointment today to discover how we can assist you.
If you have been diagnosed with lupus, you may be wondering how infusions can help. Here are a few ways infusion therapy can benefit individuals living with lupus:
Understanding Lupus & Its Symptoms
Though lupus is a condition that can affect anyone, it is primarily seen in women. In fact,90% of those affected are women, and most develop the disease between the ages of 15 and 44. It is also prevalent in people with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Lupus is often called the 'great imitator' because its symptoms can mimic other conditions. This makes it challenging to diagnose, and people may go years without a proper diagnosis. Some common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Butterfly-shaped rash
- Skin lesions
- Color changes in the fingers and toes
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dry eye
- Headaches
- Confusion and memory loss
While there are no specific causes of lupus, factors such as genetics, hormones, and environmental triggers can contribute to its development. It's essential to pay attention to your body and report any concerning symptoms to your doctor.
What Is Infusion Therapy & How Does It Work
Infusion therapy involves administering medication through a needle or catheter, typically when oral medications are ineffective, insufficient, or unavailable. This is particularly beneficial for lupus patients, as it allows for targeted treatment directly into the bloodstream, offering quicker and more efficient results.
At Suite Life, our infusion therapy for lupus is typically administered on a regular basis, depending on individual treatment plans. Our team will monitor your progress and adjust the frequency and dosage as needed to ensure optimal results.
Among the medications we use are Saphnelo and Benlysta, each designed uniquely to manage lupus symptoms effectively.
- Saphnelo (Anifrolumab), a newlyFDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe lupus, targets a specific protein in the immune system to reduce inflammation and symptoms by preventing the immune system from attacking healthy tissues.
- Benlysta (Belimumab) is thefirst lupus-specific medication FDA-approved in over 50 years, targeting the B-lymphocyte stimulator protein to reduce autoantibodies, decrease disease activity, and potentially improve the quality of life for lupus patients.
How Suite Life Infusions Helps Patients With Lupus
At Suite Life, our experienced medical professionals carefully monitor all infusion therapies to ensure safety and effectiveness, tailoring each treatment to the patient's specific needs. For lupus patients, infusion therapy offers several benefits, such as:
1. Reducing Inflammation
One primary goal of lupus treatment is to reduce inflammation and protect vital organs from damage. With infusion therapy, medications can be delivered directly into the bloodstream. This effectively reduces lupus symptoms, like joint pain and skin rash, and prevents further damage to key organs such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs.
2. Managing Lupus Flare-Ups
'Flare-ups' are periods when lupus symptoms worsen. These episodes can be unpredictable and vary in severity, but they often cause extreme discomfort and may require immediate treatment. Infusion therapy can help manage these flare-ups by quickly delivering medication to alleviate symptoms. It can also prevent future flare-ups by keeping the disease in remission.
3. Faster Relief from Symptoms
For those who cannot tolerate oral treatment, infusion therapy provides faster relief from symptoms. By administering the medication directly into a vein through a small catheter or needle. This can be especially beneficial during flare-ups when immediate relief is necessary.
4. Improving Quality of Life
By managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups, infusion treatment enhances the overall well-being of lupus patients. It can help individuals living with lupus feel more in control of their condition and allow them to participate in daily activities without being limited by symptoms.
5. Convenience & Comfort
At Suite Life, we prioritize your comfort and convenience during every visit. Our facility offers ample parking, private treatment rooms equipped with internet access, and complimentary snacks, ensuring a stress-free and comfortable experience for all our patients.
Partner With Suite Life Against Lupus!
Lupus is a challenging and complex condition, and while there is currently no cure for lupus, advancements in treatment options offer hope and the potential for patients to manage their symptoms effectively. Infusion therapy for lupus has shown promise in reducing inflammation, managing flare-ups, protecting vital organs, and enhancing quality of life.
AtSuite Life, we're committed to providing our patients with access to these innovative treatments. Our compassionate, experienced clinical team will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan and support you on your journey to better health.
If you have lupus and oral medications are not adequately controlling your symptoms, it's time to consider infusion therapy.Contact us today at (508) 567-5666, visit our website suitelifehealth.com, or schedule an appointment online to get started. Together, we can manage your lupus and help you live your best life.