Specialty infusion therapy refers to the administration of specialized medications or treatments directly into the bloodstream through infusion. This type of therapy is often used to treat complex medical conditions that require close monitoring, such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, chronic pain, or infectious diseases.
Specialty pharmacies, like ours, play a crucial role in providing these therapies. We are equipped to handle and dispense complex medications that sometimes require special storage, handling or administration techniques. We work closely with your team of healthcare providers, insurance companies, and YOU to coordinate delivery and the administration of specialty medications.
What Conditions Benefit from Specialty Injectables?
There are many conditions/disorders that can benefit from specialty injectables. Some examples of conditions that commonly benefit from specialty injectables include:
- Autoimmune Disorders – Conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriasis, Crohn’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus may benefit from a specialty injectable as they help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Cancers – Specialty injectables can be used in various cancers including chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapies and targeted therapies. These medications can help destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth.
- Hematological Disorders (blood disorders) – Patients with Hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders may benefit from a specialty injectable as they can help manage bleeding disorders or boost the immune system.
- Infectious Diseases: Some infectious diseases, like HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C, are treated with specialty injectables. These medications target the virus and help suppress its replication
- Endocrine Disorders: Conditions like diabetes and growth hormone deficiencies may benefit from specialty injectables, including insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, and growth hormone replacement therapy.
- Respiratory Conditions: Severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may require specialty injectables to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, or improve lung function.
- Neurological Disorders: Specialty injectables can be used in the treatment of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and migraine headaches. These medications help manage symptoms and slow down disease progression.
- Genetic Disorders: Some rare genetic disorders, such as Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, and hereditary angioedema, may require specialty injectables for enzyme replacement therapy or symptom management.
- Ophthalmic Conditions: Certain eye disorders, like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, can be treated with specialty injectables that are injected into the eye to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth or inflammation.
This list just scratches the surface of what conditions specialty injectables can benefit. We’d be happy to help you with your specialty injectable needs.
How Often do Patients Receive a Specialty Injectable?
The frequency of therapy is dependent on the medication, the condition it’s being used for, and the treatment plan, prescribed by the patient’s healthcare provider. Some injectables may be given daily, some weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, every few months and possibly even annually.
Your healthcare team, along with our home infusion pharmacy will work closely with you to come up with a plan that works for everyone involved.
How are Specialty Injectables Administered?
Specialty injectables can be administered through different routes of administration, depending on the medication, the condition it’s being used for and the desired therapeutic effect.
- Subcutaneous (SC) Injection – Medication is delivered into the layer of tissue just beneath the skin
- Intramuscular (IM) Injection – Medication is delivered directly into the muscle
- Intravenous (IV) Infusion – Medication is delivered directly into a vein
It’s important to note that the administration of specialty injectables should always be performed by trained healthcare professionals or individuals who have received appropriate training and education. Self-administration of certain medications may be possible under the guidance of healthcare providers, with proper instructions and support provided.
Are there Side Effects from Specialty Injectables?
Just like any medication, specialty injectables come with their list of potential side effects. Side effects differ, depending on medication administered, and it is important to let your healthcare provider and infusion pharmacy team know of any side effects experienced during your therapy.
Some side effects may include:
- Injection site reactions
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Allergic reactions
This list is not exhaustive. If you experience anything out of the ordinary during your therapy, alert your medical team appropriately.
Do I need a Prescription for a Specialty Injectable?
If you think you could benefit from a specialty injectable, or are curious to learn more about them, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider. You will need a prescription from your healthcare provider to start any type of specialty injectable. Our team can assist you with administration, teaching, follow-up and more.
Are Specialty Injectables Covered by Insurance?
As part of the Vital Care network of home infusion pharmacies, we are an in-network provider with most all insurance carriers and are able to work with your insurance company to provide your infusion services at the lowest out-of-pocket cost for you.
When you work with us, you get the local care you deserve with the strength of a national company. Our dedicated insurance team will work with your insurance company saving you time and hassle. Call the pharmacy at 402-462-2929 or email infusion@redlinepharmacy.com to see how we can help you get better with our accredited home infusion services.
