You may already be familiar with biologic response modifiers, or biologics, a relatively new type of drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and other diseases of the immune system. This type of drug is created from human genes and has shown promise in fighting autoimmune diseases. Wondering if this medication is right for you? Below, some questions to ask yourself and your doctor before getting a prescription for biologics:
Have I tried other medications already? Biologics are typically not the first treatment of choice, according to doctors. They are very expensive due to the materials required to create them, as well as their complicated manufacturing process. Most people will want to try a traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), such as methotrexate, first. Biologics typically are considered only after traditional DMARDS have failed.
How are biologics taken? Some biologics are given by self-injection, and others may be need to be administered intravenously at a medical facility. These injections are spaced anywhere from several days to several weeks apart. Since some DMARDS may be taken orally, patients should consider whether they can cope with the increased hassle of biologics.
Can I take more than one biologic at a time? No. Since biologics suppress the immune system, taking too many could put you at great risk of infection. Biologics are commonly taken with DMARDS for the best results.
Are there side effects to biologics? Most commonly, patients will have pain and swelling at the injection site. Although rare, people taking biologics may experience infections, have increased symptoms of multiple sclerosis if they suffer from the disease, and possibly increase their risk of cancer. On this last point, study results are mixed. One recent study indicated a higher incidence of skin cancer in people taking biologics. Another study revealed no increase in cancer, although that study did not look at certain types of skin cancer. The latter study did, though, show that people taking biologics face an increased risk of dying compared with the general population. Doctors are unsure why at this point.
Will biologics cure my rheumatoid arthritis? Right now, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Like other medications used on rheumatoid arthritis patients, biologics can reduce symptoms and cause patients to go into remission.
Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritistoday.org;
Providence Health & Services, www.providence.org.
