In the majority of cases, Lyme disease can be treated with oral antibiotics. What happens when oral antibiotics fail? It has been estimated that around 20% of the patients experience Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome that require intravenous administration of antibiotics.
When the bacteria crosses the blood-brain barrier, the nervous system will be affected that can lead to neuroborreliosis. In IV administration, the drug will be delivered to the site of infection through bloodstream that provides faster relief. In this blog, we will explore how IV administration of antibiotics provide hope for Lyme disease patients.
What are the pros and cons of IV infusion therapy?
Pros:
- When compared to oral antibiotics, IV antibiotics are stronger that kills the bacteria effectively.
- Sometimes, oral antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal problems. IV antibiotics will not affect the gastrointestinal system as they have a direct route.
- IV antibiotics can help in eliminating persistent forms of bacteria
- IV infusion is associated with higher bioavailability and achieves higher concentrations.
Cons:
- A PICC line delivers a higher dose of antibiotics that kills the bacteria. Your body may not be able to eliminate the dead spirochetes, which can result in Herxheimer reactions.
- There is an increased risk of the development of gallstones with IV infusion.
- There is a higher risk of blood clot formation or thrombosis
What is the cost of IV infusion of antibiotics?
IV infusions for Lyme disease are expensive when compared to oral antibiotics. Patients with Lyme disease face both emotional and financial considerations. If the condition is detected at an early stage, effective treatment can be initiated. Studies have estimated that Lyme disease costs between $712 million and $1.3 billion a year in the US. Another problem is that the insurance will not cover the antibiotic treatment long-term.
Intravenous (IV) infusion of antibiotics can be expensive and depends on several factors, such as,
- Type of drug
- Duration of treatment
- Facility charges
- Location (Whether it is administered at home or in a clinic)
When the treatment is done at home, the expenses are less. The patient has to meet the cost of home infusion equipment and specialized nursing procedures. Hospital-based IV therapy is usually costlier with increased facility fees and administrative costs.
Insurance coverage of IV therapy can vary. Patients are advised to discuss treatment regimens, approximate duration, and insurance coverage with their caregiver and insurance provider before entering an IV therapy. Trying out financial aid programs or other interventions can also help the patients.
