Recently, IVX Health announced the opening of three new Tampa-based infusion centers to treat patients with chronic conditions. Currently, IVX Health, who describes themselves as “[providing] biologic injections and infusions in a private, convenient, and comfortable setting,” has 25 centers across the United States. The provider offers therapies for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and a number of other conditions.
In regards to the new Tampa locations, the infusion centers can be found in Wesley Chapel, Brandon, and Carrollwood. You can find additional information, as well as make an appointment, here. In addition to their new Tampa locations, IVX Health will also open another location in St. Petersburg, Florida. Their goal is to have this center open by the end of 2020.
IVX Health offers a more accessible solution than hospital-based infusions for some patients. At the same time, the company upholds safety standards with private suites and appointment-only visits. Additionally, patients are privy to free WiFi, complimentary snacks, and other amenities to make their visit comfortable. Considering that safe access to healthcare is necessary, particularly in the time of COVID-19, this offers patients with autoimmune disorders or other conditions the opportunity to pursue healthcare in a safe environment.
Conditions Treated at IVX Health
In addition to the below conditions, IVX Health uses their infusion centers to treat other complex chronic conditions such as lupus, Fabry disease, and myasthenia gravis (MG). For a full list of conditions treated, see the IVX Health website.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is part of a category of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With Crohn’s disease, patients experience digestive tract inflammation, particularly in the colon and ileum. There is no known cause. However, researchers hypothesize that Crohn’s disease results from genetics and the immune system. It often affects people before the age of 30. Risk factors include being Caucasian, Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, smoking, and family history.
Generally, Crohn’s disease occurs in cycles: remission, followed by periods of intense and severe symptoms. These include:
- Unintended weight loss
- Mouth sores
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Poor growth
- Skin, eye, bile duct, liver, and joint inflammation
- Fatigue
- Low appetite
- Anal pain
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever
- Bloody stool
In severe cases, patients may also develop colon cancer, malnutrition, ulcers, anal fissures, or bowel obstructions. Learn more about Crohn’s disease.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
There are two main types of multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological disease that impacts the way the brain and body communicate. The first, relapsing and remitting, means patients experience periods of remission between periods of intense symptoms. Next, progressive MS experiences no remission. MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, or the protective covering of nerve cells. An estimated 2.3 million people worldwide have MS. It is most common in young adulthood through middle age, and affects females more than males.
Symptoms include:
- Vision loss
- Muscle weakness or numbness
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Poor bladder control
- Changes in speech
- Pain
- Fatigue
Learn more about MS.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which causes ulcers and sores in the large intestine. It generally occurs in either young adults or patients over 60, those with a family history of IBD, or those of Jewish background. Many people do not realize that they have this condition until symptoms appear, as the disease progresses.
Symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unintended weight loss
- Loose bowel movements
- Anemia
- Bloody stool
- Abdominal cramps
- Rash
- Joint pain
Learn more about ulcerative colitis.
