Imagine reclaiming your life from chronic pain, swelling, or fatigue thanks to powerful medications delivered directly where your body needs them most. That’s the transformative promise of infusion therapy, also known as IV therapy. Designed for individuals with moderate to severe autoimmune, joint, or inflammatory diseases, infusion therapy provides advanced medications that are often more effective than oral options – especially when quick symptom relief or long-term control is crucial. Unlike pills, IV infusions can improve bioavailability for rapid results, consistent dosing, high-touch care, and the ability to use biologics and targeted therapies.
At Bay Area Rheumatology, we are a premier destination for IV therapy in Clearwater, FL, Oldsmar, FL, and throughout the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Whether you need infusion treatment for arthritis, RA infusion treatment, infusion therapy for gout, or advanced therapies for systemic and rare conditions, our board-certified team delivers expert, closely monitored care in our state-of-the-art infusion suites.
We work alongside you and your referring provider to develop a tailored plan for your diagnosis. You’re not just a number: you’re an individual, and our compassionate clinical staff and infusion nurses advocate for you every step of the way, including help navigating insurance authorizations for the therapy that’s most effective for you.
Ready to experience the best in infusion therapy near you, or want to know if IV therapy is right for you? Schedule your consultation or ask your rheumatologist about a referral to Bay Area Rheumatology’s infusion program today.
For patients who need infusion treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, our infusion center administers leading options such as Remicade® (infliximab), Rituxan® (rituximab), Actemra® (tocilizumab), and Orencia® (abatacept). These biologics target specific inflammatory pathways to control symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage.
(Learn more on our Rheumatoid Arthritis page.)
When oral medications or injectables aren’t enough, infusion therapy (like Remicade®, Simponi Aria®, Cosentyx (R), and Cimzia®) can better target and manage the joint and skin symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
(Learn more on our Psoriatic Arthritis page.)
SLE patients at risk of organ damage can benefit from infusion options such as Benlysta® (belimumab), Saphnelo® (anifrolumab) and GAZYVA ®, helping reduce disease flares and the need for steroids.
(For full details, visit our Systemic Lupus Erythematosus page.)
Some forms of gout require IV therapy—Krystexxa® (pegloticase) is an infusion medication that breaks down uric acid in patients with severe or chronic gout that doesn’t respond to oral drugs.
(See our Gout page.)
Actemra® infusions are a mainstay in treating GCA, a type of vasculitis, helping to reduce steroid dependence and prevent vision loss.
We partner with referring gastroenterologists to provide infusions like Remicade®, Entyvio® (vedolizumab), Omvoh®, Skyrizi®, and Simponi Aria® to manage inflammation and symptoms in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
When skin symptoms are severe, biologics such as Remicade® and Cosentyx (R) can improve both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in a single IV treatment plan.
Non-infectious uveitis (eye inflammation) often requires immunomodulatory infusions, including Remicade® and sometimes Humira® administered by self injection, to prevent vision loss.
MS patients benefit from cutting-edge infusions like Tysabri® (natalizumab) and Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) to slow disease progression, reduce relapse rates, and protect neurological function.
Pemgarda® infusions offer preventive COVID-19 protection for immunocompromised patients who may not respond adequately to vaccines, helping reduce the risk of severe illness through long-acting passive immunity.
Tepezza® (teprotumumab) infusions offer hope to patients with this rare autoimmune condition, reducing bulging, double vision, and pain.
IVIG and other infusion therapies provide relief for patients with this neuromuscular autoimmune disease, improving muscle strength and reducing symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
Biologic infusions, such as TNF inhibitors and Cosentyx (R) help manage this inflammatory condition, reducing pain, stiffness, and improving mobility for those living with spinal arthritis.
Infusion therapy is the use of an intravenous line to deliver powerful medications, such as biologics and immunosuppressants, directly into your bloodstream. This route offers faster, more direct benefits for autoimmune, inflammatory, and immune-mediated conditions, especially when oral or injectable medications aren’t effective.
IV biologics may deliver a higher or steadier dose versus oral medications, work faster, and often target root causes of inflammation more precisely. Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis turn to infusion treatment for arthritis when conventional pills no longer manage their symptoms. (Explore our Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis service pages for details.)
Yes. When performed in a specialty infusion clinic by skilled nurses and physicians, infusion therapy is highly safe. Our team monitors each patient closely throughout the process and takes swift action in the rare event of a reaction.
Appointments can run from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your medication. You’ll rest in a comfortable recliner, often with TV, Wi-Fi, and refreshments provided. Our staff will check your vital signs and answer all your questions before, during, and after treatment.
Most major insurers cover infusion therapy when medically necessary and prescribed by a specialist. Our team works on your behalf to secure authorizations and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Contact Bay Area Rheumatology directly or ask your referring provider to submit paperwork. We’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your options and, if needed, coordinate with your other doctors to ensure continuity of care.
Absolutely. We discuss medication benefits, potential side effects, what to watch for, and provide written information for reference at home.