People with ulcerative colitis (UC) can receive medication infusions to help manage the disease. An infusion is similar to an intravenous (IV) injection and delivers medication directly into the bloodstream.

Some people may receive medication infusions regularly, while others may need them less often or may take oral medications instead.

This article explores what an infusion is and how it treats UC. It also examines the drugs a person may receive as infusions, the potential side effects of infusions, and more.

During infusion therapy, or IV infusion, a person receives medication or fluids through a needle or catheter. A catheter allows healthcare professionals to give multiple doses of medicated infusions when necessary.

Some people with UC receive medicated infusions regularly to help manage their condition. Other people may need infusions to replenish their levels of nutrients such as iron.

Infusion therapy may take place in a variety of settings, such as:

  • clinics
  • hospitals
  • pharmacies
  • a person’s home

Healthcare professionals give various medications via infusion when treating UC.

A person can speak with their gastroenterologist to explore the available treatment options, including infusions, and create a suitable treatment plan.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved infliximab (Remicade) to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 1998Trusted Source.

IBD is group of conditions that affect the gut, including UC and Crohn’s disease.

Infliximab is a manufactured antibody made of living cells and is a type of medication called a biologic. It works by targeting a protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The body naturally creates this protein to help the immune system fight infections.

However, if the body produces too much TNF-alpha, it can damage the gut lining and potentially cause the inflammation that occurs in IBD.

Infliximab binds to TNF-alpha proteins, blocking their harmful effects and reducing intestinal inflammation.

Dosage

Doctors usually give infliximab infusions in outpatient facilities due to the potential risk of reaction.

An adult or child can receive 5 milligrams (mg) of infliximab for every kilogram (kg) of body weight.

Timing

A person will receive infusions at weeks 0, 2, and 6. The first infusion usually takes 2 hours, and doctors will continue monitoring the person for reactions afterward.

If a person responds well to the treatment, doctors will put them on maintenance dosing of 5 mg/kg of an infusion every 8 weeks.

Some people may be able to give themselves infusions at home over time, but a person should discuss this option with their doctor.

Effectiveness

One 2019 research reviewTrusted Source suggests that infliximab is very effective at treating IBD.

However, if infliximab does not relieve symptoms or if it becomes less effective over time, a doctor may increase the dosage or frequency of the infusions.

Although anti-TNF agents have an initial effect on symptoms, researchers have demonstrated a risk of secondary non-response or loss of response in 23% to 46%Trusted Source of people receiving infliximab.

Side effects

A person may have an acute infusion reaction with infliximab, which may occur in the first 24 hoursTrusted Source after infusion.

The most common significant side effect of anti-TNF medications is the increased risk of infections. These infections are usually mild, but people who have a compromised immune system may be at an increased risk of serious infections.

People may also experience anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and anyone who is experiencing it must seek medical attention immediately.

However, most people experience an anaphylactoid (nonallergic) reaction.

Elevated liver enzyme levels are a rare but possible side effect of this medication.

Anti-integrin therapy is a biological medication. It targets molecules that contribute to the development of intestinal inflammation.

Doctors may prescribe this treatment for people with severe IBD that has not responded to other medications. Examples of this type of medication include natalizumab (Tysabri) and vedolizumab (Entyvio).

This therapy prevents lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells that cause inflammation) from binding to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dosage and timing

Doctors give anti-integrin medications as IV infusions. An example dosage may be 300 mg of vedolizumab over 14 weeks at scheduled intervals.

The most suitable frequency of anti-integrin IV infusions may vary from person to person. A gastroenterologist will recommend an infusion schedule based on the severity of a person’s IBD.

Effectiveness

Research has found that two anti-integrin therapy drugs are effective for treating UC.

In a 2007 study, researchers investigated natalizumab as a treatment for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in 509 participants. They found that more participants in the treatment group than in the placebo group showed sustained clinical remission at week 8 and week 12.

In multiple studies cited in a 2018 research review, vedolizumab showed an effect against moderate to severe UC at week 6 and week 52.

More research and clinical trials of anti-integrin drugs are needed to demonstrate their effectiveness and associated negative effects for people with IBD.

Side effects

Biologics suppress parts of the immune system and increase the risk of infections. People should discuss with their doctors how to avoid this and how to prevent serious infections.

Corticosteroid medications such as hydrocortisone are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve symptoms in the short term. People can take this type of medication orally, as an enema, or as an infusion.

Timing

In cases of acute severe UC, people may receive steroids via infusion in a hospital. A person will usually receive IV steroids for around 5 to 7 days.

Effectiveness

Studies cited in a 2023 review found that people with acute severe UC responded to IV steroids.

However, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation reports that 20% to 30% of people with acute IBD symptoms will not respond to treatment with steroids.

Side effects

People receiving IV corticosteroids may experience side effects. A person should speak with a doctor if they experience any of the following:

A doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or administer them via IV infusion to treat UC.

A gastroenterologist will recommend the appropriate length of time for a person to take antibiotics based on the severity of the infection.

Effectiveness

According to a 2023 review, antibiotics can be more useful than a placebo for inducing remission or reducing symptoms in some people with UC.

However, a 2023 study suggests that antibiotics can increase the risk of IBD, particularly in people ages 40 years and older.

If a doctor recommends antibiotics for UC, they can discuss the possible benefits and risks.

Side effects

Common side effectsTrusted Source of antibiotics include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • rash
  • yeast infection

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to antibiotics. In most cases, the reaction is mild to moderate. It may cause symptoms such as:

However, if a person experiences anaphylaxis, they or someone close by must seek medical attention immediately.

Read more about the side effects of antibiotics.

People with IBD often have vitamin or mineral deficiencies due to the digestive system’s inability to absorb nutrients.

A dietitian may recommend dietary changes or supplements to improve digestive health. Another option is to receive vitamins via infusion.

A doctor may recommend vitamins and minerals such as:

Side effects

People should be cautious about taking zinc supplements at high doses or for long periods, as there is a riskTrusted Source of toxicity.

Zinc can interfere with iron and copper absorption and worsen deficiencies. Additionally, calcium supplementation can reduce zinc absorption.

To reduce the risk of side effects, a person should speak with a registered dietitian to ensure that they are taking the correct dosage of any vitamins or minerals.

Doctors may recommend IV infusions as a treatment for UC. Medications that a person may receive via infusion include biologics and immunosuppressants.

IV vitamin and mineral supplementation may also be beneficial, as UC can lead to deficiencies.

Each drug has a specific dosage, timing, and side effects. A person should discuss these factors with their doctor before deciding on treatment.