Key Takeaways
- World Arthritis Day is observed every October 12 to raise awareness of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and other joint conditions.
- Remicade (infliximab) is a biologic medication that targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein linked to the inflammation seen in RA and PsA.
- Remicade is given by IV infusion, starting with an induction series before moving to a regular maintenance schedule set by a rheumatologist.
- Coordinated communication between a patient's rheumatologist and infusion center hel
- Smart Infusion Therapy Services administers Remicade infusions as directed by prescribing rheumatologists, giving Madison-area patients a coordinated, comfortable setting for ongoing biologic therapy. Request an appointment to get started.
What Should Patients Know About RA and Psoriatic Arthritis This World Arthritis Day?
World Arthritis Day falls on October 12 each year, a date established in 1996 to build understanding of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and the impact they have on daily life. The Arthritis Foundation notes that arthritis is one of the most common conditions worldwide, affecting people well beyond the assumption that it is only a disease of aging.
Two forms often discussed on this day are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. According to the American College of Rheumatology, RA is the most common autoimmune type of arthritis, causing the immune system to attack joint tissue and produce swelling, stiffness, and pain, often in a symmetric pattern affecting both hands or both feet. Psoriatic arthritis, described by the American College of Rheumatology, is a related autoimmune condition that can affect larger joints such as the knees and shoulders, as well as the fingers, toes, back, or pelvis, and often occurs alongside psoriasis.
Both conditions are chronic, meaning ongoing management, rather than a one-time cure, is the goal of treatment.
How Can Remicade Help Manage Joint Inflammation?
Remicade is the brand name for infliximab, a biologic medication in a drug class known as TNF inhibitors. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a protein that drives the inflammation responsible for much of the joint pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with RA and PsA. By blocking TNF, Remicade is intended to reduce that inflammation at its source rather than only masking symptoms.
This mechanism is different from over-the-counter pain relievers, which primarily address discomfort after inflammation has already occurred. Biologic therapies like Remicade are generally considered when standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have not adequately controlled a patient's disease activity.
What Conditions Can Remicade Help Treat?
Remicade is FDA-approved for several inflammatory autoimmune conditions, including:
- Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, typically alongside methotrexate.
- Active psoriatic arthritis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Certain inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Related biologics that a rheumatologist may also consider, depending on a patient's diagnosis and treatment history, include Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Actemra (tocilizumab), Orencia (abatacept), and Simponi Aria (golimumab), as well as infliximab biosimilars such as Inflectra, Avsola, and Renflexis. Smart Infusion Therapy Services administers infusion therapies for rheumatology conditions as ordered by a patient's physician.
What Coordinated Care Between Your Rheumatologist and Infusion Center Looks Like?
Because biologic infusions require an active prescription and ongoing monitoring, coordination between the prescribing rheumatologist and the infusion center is central to safe, consistent treatment. That typically includes:
| Step | Rheumatologist's Role | Infusion Center's Role |
|---|---|---|
| Before starting therapy | Diagnoses the condition and orders lab work, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis screening | Confirms the order and schedules the initial infusion series |
| During treatment | Monitors disease activity and adjusts the treatment plan as needed | Administers each infusion, monitors for reactions, and communicates any concerns back to the prescriber |
| Ongoing care | Reviews progress at follow-up visits | Keeps the infusion schedule on track and coordinates with the specialty pharmacy on medication supply |
This division of responsibilities means patients do not have to manage the clinical and logistical details alone. Smart Infusion Therapy Services works directly with referring rheumatologists and specialty pharmacies to keep each patient's infusion schedule aligned with their prescribed treatment plan.
How Can Madison, WI Patients Get Started With Remicade Infusion Therapy?
Patients in the Madison area who have been prescribed Remicade by their rheumatologist can begin treatment at the Smart Infusion Therapy Services Madison Center in Middleton, WI. The center coordinates with the referring physician to confirm the order, verify insurance and specialty pharmacy details, and schedule the initial infusion series.
Marking World Arthritis Day With a Plan for Ongoing Care
World Arthritis Day is a reminder that conditions like RA and psoriatic arthritis require consistent, long-term management rather than a single fix. For patients whose rheumatologist has prescribed Remicade, having a dependable place to receive each infusion is part of that plan.
Smart Infusion Therapy Services provides Remicade infusion therapy for Madison-area patients in a coordinated, comfortable setting. To begin treatment or ask about scheduling, request an appointment with Smart Infusion Therapy Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Remicade used for?
Remicade (infliximab) is used to treat inflammatory autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and certain inflammatory bowel diseases, typically after standard DMARD therapy has not fully controlled symptoms.
How is Remicade different from other arthritis medications?
Remicade is a biologic that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that drives inflammation, while many standard arthritis medications work through other mechanisms or address pain and swelling rather than the underlying immune response.
Where can I find Remicade infusion therapy near me?
Smart Infusion Therapy Services offers Remicade infusions at locations in Eau Claire, Wausau, Onalaska, and Madison (Middleton), Wisconsin, for patients with an active prescription from their rheumatologist.
Does my rheumatologist need to be involved if I get infusions at a separate center?
Yes. An infusion center administers the medication as ordered, but the prescribing rheumatologist continues to manage the diagnosis, monitor disease activity, and adjust the treatment plan.
How long does a Remicade infusion appointment take?
A Remicade infusion is typically administered over about two hours, though appointment length can vary based on the prescribed dose and any pre-infusion medications.
