Guillain-Barré syndrome, commonly called GBS, is a rare neurologic disorder in which the immune system attacks peripheral nerves. Unlike many chronic neurologic conditions, Guillain-Barré syndrome can progress quickly. A patient may begin with tingling or weakness and experience worsening symptoms over hours or days. For that reason, suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome requires prompt medical evaluation. Treatment...

Many patients think of a pharmacist primarily as the healthcare professional who fills a prescription. With specialty medications, the pharmacist’s role can be much broader. Specialty therapies are often used for chronic, complex, or rare diseases. They may require: Detailed patient education Prior authorization Complex dosing Clinical monitoring Specialty handling Infusion support Side-effect management Ongoing...

Patients choosing a specialty pharmacy or infusion provider usually begin with practical questions. Will my insurance cover treatment? Can the pharmacy provide my medication? Can I receive therapy at home? How quickly can prior authorization be handled? Will someone be available when I have questions? Those are important questions. But there is another factor that...

Receiving an IV medication at home can sound very different from receiving treatment in a hospital or infusion center. That naturally leads to one of the most common patient questions: Is home infusion safe? For appropriately selected patients, physician-prescribed infusion therapy can be safely provided at home with the right clinical, pharmacy, nursing, and operational...

Receiving insurance approval for a specialty medication does not always mean the medication will be affordable. Specialty therapies can involve: High deductibles Copays Coinsurance Recurring treatment costs Nursing Supplies Other plan-specific expenses Patients may discover that insurance covers the medication but still leaves them with a significant out-of-pocket responsibility. That can be especially difficult for...

For patients who receive IVIG on a recurring basis, home infusion can make treatment easier to incorporate into everyday life. Instead of traveling to a hospital or infusion center, eligible patients may be able to receive physician-prescribed intravenous immunoglobulin in their own home with support from an experienced infusion nurse and specialty pharmacy team. The...

When patients are choosing a specialty pharmacy or infusion provider, they understandably focus on questions such as: Does my insurance cover treatment? Can I receive therapy at home? How quickly can treatment begin? Will someone help with prior authorization? Can I speak with a pharmacist? Will I receive experienced clinical care? There is another factor...

For patients who require recurring IVIG therapy, treatment can become a regular part of life. An infusion may take several hours, and depending on the prescribed schedule, patients may need treatment every few weeks or at another physician-directed interval. When every treatment also requires driving to a hospital or infusion center, arranging transportation, parking, waiting,...

Being told that you need intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG, therapy can bring both relief and uncertainty. You may finally have a treatment plan, but you may also have questions: How long will the infusion take? What will the treatment feel like? Should I eat beforehand? What should I bring? Will I be able to drive...

Tips for Caregivers Supporting a Loved One Receiving Home Infusion When someone begins home infusion therapy, the transition can affect the entire household. Spouses, adult children, relatives, and other caregivers may suddenly become involved in medication deliveries, appointment schedules, treatment-day preparation, communication with healthcare providers, and supporting the patient emotionally. Home infusion can make ongoing...