Infusion Suite
The Mississippi Arthritis Clinic Infusion Suite offers intravenous infusions and injections for the treatment of many rheumatic diseases, as well as IV therapies for osteoporosis and lupus.
The suite of ten chairs is staffed by two RNs who each have over a decade of infusion experience. Your physician or nurse practitioner will evaluate you on a regular schedule prior to your infusion, either by office visit with exam or by a questionnaire. The infusion nurses will make you comfortable in your recliner with blankets, magazines, or TV while you receive your treatment. During the infusion, our nurses will be carefully monitoring you with frequent checks and vital signs.
No one wants surprises from their insurance coverage, so our staff will verify medication coverage prior to starting new medication infusions and again every January (and, of course, whenever your insurance changes). Whenever possible we connect you with patient assistance for co-pay coverage to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
We invite you to bring your books, laptops, knitting, or DVD player with earphones. In consideration of other patients, please do not use your cell phone for conversations or bring small children. If you bring family, we recommend they visit the coffee shop and deli on the ground floor since seating in the suite can be limited. Our nurses can give you an approximate end time if your friends and family would like to leave the building. Please give the nurse a contact name and number for people who come with you.
Here are recommendations for patients receiving biologic infusions:
Before starting a biologic, ask your doctor if there are any immunizations you need.
Wear comfortable clothing. You can get up to go to the bathroom, but you may be sitting for 30 minutes up to 4 hours, depending upon your medication.
Be sure you have been tested for hepatitis and TB.
If you are anxious at any point, be sure to tell the nurse. This is not uncommon. The nurse can answer your questions or adjust your infusion, if necessary.
Read the informed consent and be sure to ask questions about things that concern you.
On rare occasions, reactions to the infusions occur. Our nurses have established protocols to follow and your doctor or nurse practitioner will be notified immediately. Over ten years of experience gives our nurses great skill in managing these infusions.
On the day before the infusion, start increasing your water intake.
Bring a driver – at least the first few times. Prior to the infusion you will receive Tylenol and an antihistamine. If your blood pressure goes up or you need an anti-anxiety medicine, you could get drowsy.
Be sure to take your usual medicines on the morning of your infusion. Don’t forget your blood pressure and diabetes medications! If you are coming for your first Reclast, take Tylenol before and after your infusion.
Expect improvement, but maybe not after the first loading doses. Give it some time. Many people have an improved energy after the first dose, but not everyone.
Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast.
Be sure to call the infusion nurses if you have any concerns after you leave the clinic.
Before starting a biologic, ask your doctor if there are any immunizations you need.
Be sure you have been tested for hepatitis and TB.
Read the informed consent and be sure to ask questions about things that concern you.
On the day before the infusion, start increasing your water intake.
Be sure to take your usual medicines on the morning of your infusion. Don’t forget your blood pressure and diabetes medications! If you are coming for your first Reclast, take Tylenol before and after your infusion.
Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast.
Wear comfortable clothing. You can get up to go to the bathroom, but you may be sitting for 30 minutes up to 4 hours, depending upon your medication.
If you are anxious at any point, be sure to tell the nurse. This is not uncommon. The nurse can answer your questions or adjust your infusion, if necessary.
On rare occasions, reactions to the infusions occur. Our nurses have established protocols to follow and your doctor or nurse practitioner will be notified immediately. Over ten years of experience gives our nurses great skill in managing these infusions.
Bring a driver – at least the first few times. Prior to the infusion you will receive Tylenol and an antihistamine. If your blood pressure goes up or you need an anti-anxiety medicine, you could get drowsy.
Expect improvement, but maybe not after the first loading doses. Give it some time. Many people have an improved energy after the first dose, but not everyone.
Be sure to call the infusion nurses if you have any concerns after you leave the clinic.
