For many people with autoimmune conditions, infusible biologic medications have changed what daily life looks like — quieting an overactive immune system that would otherwise attack the joints, skin, or organs. But because these drugs work by dialing down immune defenses, careful oversight is part of doing them safely.
At Iris Infusions we administer biologics prescribed by rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists — and because these therapies affect the immune system, having an infectious disease physician involved adds a meaningful layer of safety.
What are biologic infusions?
Biologics are medications made from living cells, engineered to target very specific parts of the immune response rather than suppressing it broadly. Delivered by infusion, they're used when an autoimmune condition isn't well controlled by standard oral medications.
Commonly infused biologics include:
- Remicade (infliximab) — inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
- Actemra (tocilizumab) — rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions
- Orencia (abatacept) — rheumatoid arthritis
- Rituxan (rituximab) — rheumatoid arthritis and certain other immune conditions
- Benlysta (belimumab) — systemic lupus erythematosus
Conditions they help manage
These therapies are used across a range of chronic immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. The goal is the same in each: reduce inflammation, protect tissue from long-term damage, and improve quality of life.
Why an infectious disease physician is involved
Because biologics suppress specific immune pathways, they can raise the risk of infection — and can reactivate infections the body was previously keeping in check.
Beyond that initial screening, my role is to watch for signs of infection during therapy, help weigh vaccination timing, and coordinate with your prescribing specialist if a problem arises. It's a partnership: your rheumatologist or GI doctor directs the disease treatment, and we help keep the infection-related risks well managed.
What to expect during an infusion
Before you arrive
We verify your insurance, confirm your orders, and make sure any required pre-infusion labs or screenings are complete.
During the visit
Some biologics call for premedication to reduce the chance of a reaction. Your infusion is given over a set period while our team monitors you, and infusion times vary by medication — from under an hour to a few hours.
Watching for reactions
Infusion reactions are uncommon but possible, which is why these are always given in a supervised clinical setting. Our staff is trained to recognize and respond to them immediately.
Key takeaways
- Biologic infusions target specific immune pathways to control autoimmune disease.
- They're used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Because they affect the immune system, screening for hidden infections beforehand is essential.
- Infectious disease oversight adds a safety layer alongside your prescribing specialist.
Prescribed a biologic infusion?
We coordinate with your specialist and verify coverage before your first visit.
Request an appointment →This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for personalized medical advice. Your treatment plan is directed by your prescribing specialist — please talk with your physician or the Iris Infusions team about your specific situation. Reviewed and authored by Dr. Jagraj Nijjar, Infectious Disease Physician.