Immunotherapy Infusions
Hunter Blood Group provides immunotherapy infusions at our purpose-built infusion clinic in Newcastle West for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, vasculitis, and chronic migraine. We routinely administer infliximab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, rituximab, and eptinezumab, and are happy to consider other infusion therapies as needed. All infusions are administered by experienced haematology nurses under specialist haematologist supervision for patients aged 16 years and over.
Medications we administer
Your referring specialist will prescribe the most appropriate biologic for your condition. For IBD medications such as infliximab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab, we typically administer the initial intravenous loading doses before patients transition to subcutaneous maintenance — though ongoing IV infusions can be arranged if preferred. The table below summarises the immunotherapy medications we routinely administer.
| Medication | Conditions Treated | Typical Frequency | Infusion Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infliximab | IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis | Every 6-8 weeks (after loading) | 1-2 hours |
| Ustekinumab | IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), psoriasis | Every 8-12 weeks (after loading) | 30-60 minutes |
| Vedolizumab | IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) | Every 8 weeks (after loading) | 30 minutes |
| Rituximab | Autoimmune conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis | Every 6-12 months (varies by condition) | 2-4 hours |
| Eptinezumab | Preventive treatment for chronic migraine | Every 12 weeks | 30 minutes |
Infusion durations are approximate and may vary depending on tolerance and clinical protocol. Your first infusion may take longer due to additional monitoring.
Who is immunotherapy for?
Immunotherapy infusions are prescribed by your treating specialist for moderate-to-severe inflammatory and autoimmune conditions that have not responded adequately to standard treatments. You may be referred for immunotherapy if you have been diagnosed with:
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (IBD)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
- Vasculitis (including ANCA-associated vasculitis)
- Other autoimmune conditions requiring biologic therapy
- Chronic migraine (preventive treatment with eptinezumab)
Age requirement
Immunotherapy infusions at Hunter Blood Group are available for patients aged 16 years and over only.
What to expect: the immunotherapy process
- 1 Referral — Your treating specialist sends a referral specifying the medication, dose, and schedule.
- 2 Booking — Our team contacts you to schedule your infusion appointments. Loading-dose schedules (initial series of closer infusions) are arranged first.
- 3 Infusion day — Arrive at our Newcastle West clinic. A nurse will check your vitals, insert a cannula, and administer the infusion. You will be monitored throughout.
- 4 Observation — After the infusion, you remain in the clinic for a short observation period (typically 30-60 minutes) to ensure no adverse reactions.
- 5 Ongoing care — Maintenance infusions are scheduled at regular intervals. Your referring specialist manages your overall treatment plan and adjustments.
Duration and frequency
Infusion times range from 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the medication and whether it is your first or subsequent infusion. Most patients settle into a regular maintenance schedule every 6 to 12 weeks after the initial loading doses.
Our infusion environment
All immunotherapy infusions take place in our purpose-built infusion room at Suite 2, 710 Hunter Street, Newcastle West. Our experienced haematology nurses hold specialist cannulation skills and are trained in the administration and monitoring of biologic therapies. A haematologist is present on-site at all times during infusion sessions.
Immunotherapy infusion fees
The fees below cover the haematologist consultation, review, consent, supervision, and nursing administration of your infusion. Pharmacy dispensing fees for your medication are charged separately by your pharmacy and are not included.
First immunotherapy infusion
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Infusion administration fee | $370.00 |
| Medicare rebate | -$151.90 |
| Out-of-pocket gap | $218.10 |
| Safety net gap (if threshold reached) | $43.62 |
Subsequent infusions
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Infusion administration fee | $270.00 |
| Medicare rebate | -$76.00 |
| Out-of-pocket gap | $194.00 |
| Safety net gap (if threshold reached) | $38.80 |
Gap fees may be lower if you have reached the Medicare Safety Net threshold.
Pharmacy fees are not included. Your biologic medication is dispensed separately by your pharmacy. PBS subsidies may apply depending on your condition and medication.
Payment options
We accept credit card, debit card, cash, and Afterpay. With Afterpay you can pay for your infusion gap fees in four interest-free instalments.
How to refer for immunotherapy
Referrals for immunotherapy infusions should include the medication name, dose, frequency, and relevant clinical history. You can also use our dedicated infusion referral form at nfuse.hunterblood.au, or any of the methods below.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for immunotherapy infusions?
Yes. Immunotherapy infusions require a referral specifying the medication, dose, and schedule. Referrals are typically from your treating specialist — a gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, or neurologist. You can refer via nfuse.hunterblood.au or any of our usual referral methods.
How long does an immunotherapy infusion take?
Infusion times vary by medication: vedolizumab and eptinezumab take approximately 30 minutes, ustekinumab 30-60 minutes, infliximab 1-2 hours, and rituximab 2-4 hours. Additional observation time of 30-60 minutes is required after each infusion. First infusions may take longer.
What does immunotherapy infusion cost in Newcastle?
The administration fee for a first immunotherapy infusion at Hunter Blood Group is $370 (gap of $218.10 after the Medicare rebate). Subsequent infusions are $270 (gap of $194). Pharmacy dispensing fees for your biologic medication are charged separately. Afterpay is available for all infusion administration fees.
Are there any side effects from immunotherapy infusions?
Most patients tolerate immunotherapy infusions well. Common side effects include mild headache, nausea, or fatigue during or shortly after the infusion. Infusion reactions (flushing, itching, or shortness of breath) can occur but are uncommon. Our nurses monitor you closely throughout and during the observation period afterwards. Your referring specialist will discuss medication-specific risks before treatment begins.
Can I use Afterpay for immunotherapy infusions?
Yes. Afterpay is available for all infusion administration fees at Hunter Blood Group, allowing you to pay in four interest-free instalments. We also accept credit card, debit card, and cash. Note that pharmacy fees for your biologic medication are billed separately by your pharmacy.
Need an immunotherapy infusion?
Ask your specialist to refer you, or call 02 4092 7788 with any questions.