What is Infusion Therapy?

Infusion therapy is an alternative to oral treatment. It is prescribed for patients with severe conditions that cannot be successfully treated with oral medications. 

Certain drugs cannot be taken orally because they lose effectiveness when exposed to the digestive system.  In such cases, our outpatient infusion center provides a safe and effective way to administer these medications. Infusion therapy is helpful in cases where oral medication is not readily available. This process also allows for controlled dosing when medications must be distributed slowly into the bloodstream. 

Our infusion center provides intravenous IV therapies administered through a needle or catheter, as well as other non-oral methods like intramuscular injections. These approaches ensure that medication is delivered directly and effectively.

Infusion therapy can treat rare and chronic diseases, administer prescription drugs like antibiotics and antifungals, and deliver medication for several digestive health conditions. Our physicians will ensure you understand every step of the process to determine if this is the right treatment path for you.

At DHC, we proudly serve patients across New Jersey, including Somerset County and the Hillsborough area. Our convenient location and specialized care make it easier for residents in these communities to access top-quality IV infusion therapy close to home.

 

Infusion Therapy Matched with Compassionate Care

Infusion therapy is incredibly effective, but it can be expensive at hospitals. And it can also put patients at risk for infection.

At Digestive Health Center (DHC), we offer a cost-effective, patient-safety alternative with our very own infusion therapy program. Utilizing advanced techniques and personalized care teams, we ensure patients receive the most efficient and compassionate care possible.

We employ expertly trained physicians, nurses, and medical staff to treat every patient at our exclusive infusion center. We also partner with referring physicians on IV infusion therapy treatments to ensure that all patients receive the utmost care.

 

What Conditions Are Treated with Infusion Therapy in New Jersey? 

Conditions usually requiring this therapy include infections not responsive to oral antibiotics, cancer, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. 

Infusion therapy is generally prescribed when a case of inflammatory bowel disease is moderate to severe. This treatment method reduces flare-ups and symptoms and improves the patient’s quality of life. Medications utilized for IBD are often focused on neutralizing inflammation. We provide infusion for colitis and Crohn’s disease as part of our comprehensive approach to managing these conditions.

At DHC, we utilize infusion therapy to treat:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which includes:
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Dehydration
  • Iron Deficiency Anemia

How Should I Prepare for Infusion Therapy?

Preparation for an infusion therapy appointment depends upon the treatment you receive. Your doctor will provide specific information about your appointment, how long your treatment will last, and anything you need to do to prepare. We encourage you to ask any questions you have before and during your appointment. We strive to ensure that patients are fully informed about all steps taken as part of their care at DHC. 

You should also let your physician know about any medications you are taking. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing to your infusion therapy appointment and make time in your schedule to rest afterward. Many patients bring a book, magazine, or hobby to pass the time.

Procedure Prep Instructions

How is Infusion Therapy Administered at Digestive Healthcare Center?

Infusion therapy involves administering medications intravenously through a needle or catheter. In some instances, it can also be provided through other non-oral avenues, such as intramuscular injections. The needle is attached to a small tube connected to an IV bag containing the necessary medication. 

A team member will monitor you to ensure that the medication is delivered correctly and that you are comfortable throughout the process. The duration of the treatment depends on the medication and your specific condition. You may be encouraged to remain hydrated throughout the process, and you will be able to use the restroom if needed. 

Infusion therapy can be costly, and the risk of infection is higher when performed in a hospital setting. At Digestive Healthcare Center (DHC), our outpatient infusion center offers this procedure in the office, reducing costs, saving time, and increasing patient satisfaction.

When you visit our Hillsborough office and surgical center for your infusion therapy appointment, we will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible and that all your questions are answered. 

 

IV Infusion: A Viable Alternative to Oral Medication

Whether oral medication is unavailable or simply not an option for patients to ingest, infusion therapy is an excellent alternative. At our in-office infusion center, we can replenish vital fluids or provide needed medications through intravenous catheters to treat the following conditions:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Dehydration
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Ulcerative colitis

In addition, we offer specific treatment options, including:

  • Iron IV infusion therapy for patients who have trouble ingesting iron supplements through the gastrointestinal system, such as iron deficiency anemia
  • Hydration for dehydration, infusions for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis infusion, and certain gastrointestinal conditions
  • Disease-specific specialty drug therapies with medications, such as Remicade® and Entyvio®, to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

 

What are the Possible Risks of IV Infusion Therapy?

As infusion therapy requires the insertion of an IV needle, there may be an occasional difficulty for those with smaller veins. Repeated infusions can cause the accumulation of scar tissue. 

Different types of medication may be associated with individual risks. Your doctor at DHC will explain the potential risks and side effects before your appointment. 

 

Infusion Therapy in Somerset County, New Jersey

If you have a digestive health condition requiring infusion therapy treatment, please call 908-218-9222 to make an appointment at our Hillsborough office and surgical center. Our nurses and physicians will work with you to ensure you receive the proper care and treatment for your gastrointestinal issue.

Infusion Therapy Near Me in NJ

At DHC, we perform IV infusion therapy for inflammatory bowel disease in NJ using the following medications: 

  • Remicade
  • Entyvio
  • Stelara (the first dose is administered with an IV infusion)

We also use infusion therapy for regular IV fluid infusions since most of our patients who require this treatment suffer from dehydration. 

Our entire care team, including an infusion nurse specializing in intravenous therapies, provides an ongoing assessment and evaluation during your treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.