Infusion Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

Seated patient prepping to receive infusion therapy

Many of the disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that treat multiple sclerosis (MS) are administered by intravenous infusion. With extensive expertise and experience providing infusion therapy for various forms of cancer and numerous non-cancerous conditions, the physicians and nurses of Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) work closely with neurologists who prescribe infused DMTs to provide those neurologists’ patients with the MS treatments with the infusion services they need. Here, you’ll learn more about infusion therapy for MS, how it works, and its risks and benefits.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

The myelin sheath is a layer that surrounds nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and throughout the body. It facilitates the efficient transmission of electrical impulses along nerve cells. A damaged myelin sheath may cause these impulses to slow down.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which many (hence the “multiple” in MS) areas of damaged or sclerosed (hence the “sclerosis” in MS) myelin significantly prevent electrical impulses moving through the nervous system as they normally would. The nature and severity of the symptoms experienced by people with MS depends in part on the extent and location of these lesions.

Problems with vision are often the first symptoms of MS. These may include blurred vision or pain in one eye, often due to swelling in the optic nerve (optic neuritis). Other common signs of MS include:

  • Bladder/bowel control issues
  • Coordination/gait problems
  • Spasticity
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Memory loss
  • Muscle spasms/weakness
  • Numbness/tingling in the arms or legs, often on one side of the body  
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Sensation like an electric shock when moving the neck in certain ways, especially when bending the neck forward (called Lhermitte sign)

What Is Infusion Therapy?

What distinguishes infusion therapy from other forms of treatment is not the actual medicine administered but rather how that medicine is administered. Most people have taken prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs orally. In some cases, however, taking medicine by mouth may not be possible or preferable.  

For instance, some patients have difficulty swallowing pills. In other cases, many medicines work better when they are introduced directly into the bloodstream by intravenous infusion instead of being taken by mouth and passing through the digestive system, where digestive enzymes could break down the medications in ways that diminish their effectiveness. Infusion therapy also enables medication to be absorbed faster than medication taken orally.

Infusion therapy is commonly used for administering chemotherapy and other treatments to patients with cancer, which is why RCCA’s clinicians have such extensive experience with the treatment method. However, infusion therapy is used to treat many other conditions as well, such as:

MS Treatments Administered Via Infusion Therapies

More than 20 DMTs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsing forms of MS, while – as of March 2024 – one has been approved for treatment of the less-common primary progressive MS. Some of these DMTs are administered orally or by injection, but many are given via infusion. In keeping with their classification as “disease-modifying therapies,” these medications do not cure MS, but they can slow its progression and reduce relapses. Stem cell transplantation, a newer approach to treating MS, also involves uses of intravenous infusions.

Some infusion therapies given to people with MS are not DMTs but can help patients experiencing relapses or facing other challenges. Examples include:

  • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): These infusions can help enhance the immune system’s ability to deal with relapses.
  • Plasmapheresis: In this process, blood is removed from the body, filtered to remove antibodies that might harm the nervous system, and then reinfused into the body.

What Happens During an MS Infusion?

Before infusion of an MS therapy, an infusion nurses assesses the patient, provides counseling and answers any questions the patient might have, and prepares the patient’s arm, hand, or other area for insertion of the intravenous lines. Patients typically will receive medications to help reduce the possibility of side effects, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Depending on the treatment, infusion therapy may take anywhere from several minutes to several hours. Patients may consider bringing a book or headphones to listen to music during treatment. Clinics typically offer blankets and pillows for comfort during an MS infusion. The doctor and other medical staff stay nearby to monitor progress and address any issues.

After the treatment session, a nurse will remove the intravenous line, and the patient will typically remain at the infusion center for 30 minutes to one hour – depending on the medicine given and other factors – so that he or she can be monitored for possible side effects.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Infusion Therapy?

Just like other multiple sclerosis treatments, infusion therapy carries the possibility of side effects. Beyond potential side effects specific to each DMT given via infusion, potential complication of infusion therapy include:

  • Allergic reaction (fever, hives, rash, scaly skin)
  • Bleeding/bruising at the injection site
  • Chills
  • Flushing (red or hot skin)

For many patients, the benefits of infusion therapy outweigh the risk of side effects. Patients should talk with their neurologists to determine whether an infused MS therapy might be the right choice for them. If a patient and his or her neurologist determine that an infused DMT is the preferred treatment approach, the neurologist can send a prescription and order for that therapy to an RCCA center near the patient’s home.

Why Choose Regional Cancer Care Associates?

Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis can be overwhelming, but knowing there are many treatment options available hopefully provides some reassurance and peace of mind.

As one of the largest networks of medical oncologists and hematologists in the United States, RCCA is proud to provide advanced infusion services to countless patients. The following are just some of the advantages of choosing RCCA for infusion of MS therapies:

A Compassionate, Experienced Team

The ability to receive care from an experienced and knowledgeable team is why so many patients put their trust in RCCA. The team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, and other providers skilled in administering infusion therapy for various conditions.

These providers educate patients on their disease and treatment before administering therapy. From the first appointment to the final round of treatment and beyond, the compassionate team at RCCA is readily available to provide guidance and comfort.

Care Close to Home at Community-Based Clinics

Patients often favor RCCA’s community-based clinics over receiving infusion therapy at the hospital. With numerous care centers throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, patients do not have to travel to major metropolitan areas or large hospitals to get the treatment they need.

Potential Cost Savings on Treatment

While costs vary widely depending on the specifics of different insurance plans, patients often have lower out-of-pocket costs for infusions given in community-based clinics, such as RCCA offices, rather than in hospitals, in part because they avoid high administrative fees that hospitals sometimes charge.

Patient-Focused Care Center

Although a community-based care center provides a less-hectic environment to receive treatment than a hospital, some patients may wonder if the same resources and amenities are available. At RCCA’s clinics, patients can access many of the same services they find at the hospital – and in a much more comfortable environment.

All RRCA medical staff who are part of the patient’s care team get to know those in their care. They strive to maintain a welcoming environment and ensure that individual needs are met. All are also trained in managing both infusions and any reactions that may occur.

RCCA provides blankets and other amenities to help patients be comfortable during treatment. Patients are encouraged to bring books, headphones or earbuds and music, handheld game consoles, and similar items to occupy the time.

All RCCA clinics follow the latest guidelines related to influenza, COVID-19, and other airborne illnesses to protect patient safety.

Seek Infusion Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis at RCCA

Dealing with MS can be difficult, but receiving care at the right treatment can enable patients to better manage the disease and experience a higher quality of life. With more than 20 care centers in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, Regional Cancer Care Associates makes receiving the necessary care for MS and other conditions convenient. Contact RCCA today to learn more about its infusion services or to schedule an appointment at one of the closest locations.