Biologic Infusion Treatments for Referred Patients in Melbourne
Biologic medicines are used to help manage certain long-term inflammatory and immune-related conditions. For some patients, these medicines are given by intravenous infusion, where the medication is administered directly into the bloodstream through a small cannula.
At Infusion Network, we provide medically supervised biologic infusions for referred patients in a calm outpatient setting. Your treatment must be prescribed and managed by your GP, specialist, gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, dermatologist or treating medical practitioner.
You will need a valid referral and prescription before booking a biologic infusion.
What is a biologic infusion?
A biologic infusion is a treatment where a prescribed biologic medicine is delivered through a vein. Biologic medicines are designed to target specific parts of the immune system that contribute to inflammation.
Biologics are commonly used in conditions where the immune system is overactive or causing ongoing inflammation. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia explains that biologic medications target the immune system to decrease inflammation and may help with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Some biologics are given by infusion only, while others may be given by injection under the skin. Your specialist will decide which medication and method is most suitable for your condition.
Who may need a biologic infusion?
Your doctor or specialist may recommend a biologic infusion if you have an inflammatory or immune-related condition that has not responded well enough to other treatments, or if a biologic medicine is the most appropriate treatment option.
Biologic infusions may be used as part of the care plan for some patients with:
Arthritis Australia notes that biologics may be prescribed for some forms of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Not every patient with these conditions will need a biologic infusion. Your specialist will assess your diagnosis, symptoms, disease activity, previous treatments, blood tests and overall health before recommending treatment.
Why are biologic medicines used?
Biologic medicines are different from general anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medicines. They are designed to act on specific immune pathways involved in inflammation.
Depending on the condition being treated, biologic therapy may aim to:
For inflammatory bowel disease, biologics can help reduce inflammation and symptoms, although response varies between patients and some people may need to try different medicines to find the most suitable option.
Conditions commonly treated with biologic infusions
Inflammatory bowel disease
Biologic infusions may be prescribed for patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe or when other medicines have not provided enough control.
Some biologic medicines used for inflammatory bowel disease are given by intravenous infusion, while others are given by injection. Your gastroenterologist will decide which treatment is appropriate.
Inflammatory arthritis
For conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, biologic medicines may be used when other disease-modifying medicines have not worked well enough or are not suitable.
Arthritis Australia notes that biological DMARDs are usually prescribed by specialists and regular blood tests are often needed to check treatment effectiveness and side effects.
Severe psoriasis and related conditions
Some patients with severe psoriasis or psoriatic disease may be prescribed biologic medicines when topical treatments or other systemic medicines are not suitable or have not been effective.
Australian Prescriber notes that biologic therapies for psoriasis can offer significant symptom improvement for some people with psoriatic disease.
What happens during a biologic infusion appointment?
Your appointment will usually include confirmation of your referral and prescription, a brief clinical check, cannula placement, administration of the prescribed biologic medication, and monitoring.
The process generally involves:
1. Arrival & check-in
We confirm your identity, referral, prescription, medication details and relevant medical information.
2. Pre-infusion check
A clinician may ask about your current health, recent infections, allergies, previous reactions, medications and any changes since your last infusion.
3. Cannula placement
A small intravenous cannula is inserted into a vein, usually in your arm or hand.
4. Biologic infusion
Your prescribed biologic medication is administered through the cannula over the required time.
5. Monitoring
You may be monitored during and after the infusion, particularly if it is your first treatment, your dose has changed, or your specialist has requested observation. Appointment length varies depending on the medication, dose, infusion protocol and observation requirements.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Biologic infusions require a referral and prescription from a treating doctor or specialist.
Your referring doctor or specialist is responsible for:
Infusion Network administers the prescribed infusion but does not independently diagnose your condition or decide which biologic medicine you need.
Screening before biologic treatment
Before starting a biologic, your specialist may arrange screening tests and checks. This is because biologic medicines affect the immune system and may increase the risk of infection in some patients.
Your doctor may consider:
You should tell your doctor and infusion team if you feel unwell, have a fever, have recently had an infection, are taking antibiotics, or have had any changes to your health before your appointment.
Are biologic infusions safe?
Biologic infusions are commonly used under specialist supervision, but like all medicines, they can have side effects. The risks vary depending on the specific medicine, your condition and your medical history.
Possible side effects may include:
Because biologics affect the immune system, patients should be aware of infection symptoms and follow the monitoring plan from their specialist. Arthritis Australia notes that regular blood tests are usually needed for some biologic medicines to check effectiveness and unwanted side effects.
Tell the clinician immediately if you feel unwell during the infusion, especially if you notice chest tightness, shortness of breath, swelling, rash, severe dizziness, flushing, itching or pain around the cannula site.
Before your biologic infusion
Before attending your appointment, please make sure you have:
Do not attend your infusion if you are unwell without first contacting your treating doctor or the infusion clinic for advice.
After your biologic infusion
After your infusion, follow the instructions provided by your specialist or referring doctor. Some people continue their usual daily activities after treatment, while others may feel tired for a short time.
You may need ongoing appointments at regular intervals, depending on your medication schedule. Your specialist may also request blood tests or reviews to monitor your response and adjust treatment if needed.
Seek medical advice urgently if you experience: