The Truth About Biologics:
Myths vs. Facts
Are you considering biologics or currently taking one? You’ll want to equip yourself with knowledge of these innovative treatments so you make informed decisions about your medical care. This includes being able to identify myths and misinformation about biologics and focusing on the facts.
Here are some common myths on biologics, with the answers you need to find the best treatment for your condition.
Fact – Biologics are derived from living organisms. This can include tissue or byproducts from humans, animals or other microorganisms. These biologics are typically composed of agents that target specific living cells and proteins within the immune system to reduce inflammation in the body and treat diseases.
Fact – Seven biologics are currently available for treating allergic diseases. While there are fewer biologic options compared to traditional drugs, the biopharmaceutical industry is working toward developing more biologics and biosimilars. Research and development is ongoing.
Fact – Biologics are not toxic. They are made using technology that allows scientists to isolate specific proteins in the body to target and treat certain diseases.
Biologics may involve side effects. This may depend on the type of biologic drug, how long you use it, your medical history, and how your body responds to the drug. Talk about biologic side effects with your doctor prior to treatment.
Some biologics can suppress the immune system and may increase the risk for infections. Biologics used for the treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases do not typically increase this risk, though. Because these biologics target specific cell pathways, they do not suppress the immune system in the same broad way that traditional immunosuppressive drugs do.
Biologic treatment is not similar to chemotherapy. Biologics are less intense than typical cancer treatment.
Fact – Most people who take biologic medications tolerate them very well. Some biologics do suppress the immune system, which can put people more at risk for infections. However, the most common side effects of biologic therapy involve:
- Irritation at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
These side effects tend to be short-lived.
In rare cases, people may experience an allergic reaction soon after taking a biologic medication. Tell a healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if the allergic reaction is severe. Symptoms may include hives on the skin, breathing problems, swelling of your face, mouth and/or tongue, vomiting or diarrhea, low blood pressure, or feeling dizzy or lightheaded. This is anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. To resolve symptoms, you will need emergency treatment. The first line of treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine.
Fact – Early on in the production of biologics, there was concern that there could be an increased risk of cancer (specifically lymphoma) due to suppressing the immune system. However, further studies have shown that is not the case. And often it is the underlying disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis) that may make people more at risk for cancer.
There are certain biologics that have been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers, but overall biopharmaceutical statistics show they do not increase the risk of cancer.
Fact – In general, there is no health danger associated with taking biologics. Some people may have concerns with side effects or whether a biologic suppresses the immune system. Others may have concern about having a severe allergic reaction after taking a biologic.
But there is no elevated risk of side effects. Since biologics target specific cell pathways, they do not suppress the entire immune system.
When prescribing a biologic therapy, your doctor will consider your health history, current condition, and the benefits of adjusting your treatment plan. Epinephrine should be readily available in the rare event of anaphylaxis.
Fact – It’s natural to have concern about potential side effects and safety considerations when starting a new medication. When taking any medications, people will experience different side effects from certain medications. Some may experience weight gain when taking biologics. However, that is not a common side effect of biologic medications.
Fact – People can take a biologic if they have more than one health issue. Talk with your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions and the impact treatment may have on them. Provide a list of any other medications you’re taking that could cause drug interactions. Do not stop taking other medications unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
Always discuss the risks vs. benefits of biologic medications with your healthcare provider. If you have more than one provider, you can ask them to collaborate as you begin biologic therapy.
Fact – There is no specific duration of time that biologic therapy works. Some patients may experience long-term relief of symptoms or even remission from biologic treatments. For others, the biologic may seem to work for a period of time and then become less effective.
This is why it is important to monitor your health symptoms with your healthcare provider. Discuss how well you think the treatment is working. In some cases, switching from one biologic to another may aid your treatment.
Fact – Doctors are not “pushing” biologic medications. Rather, they may see the data on how biologics can help people with certain diseases and want their patients to have the same opportunity to control symptoms. If you feel like your doctor is pushing a particular treatment, ask them why. Your doctor should be able to share why he or she thinks biologics are the right treatment for you.
Fact – Biopharmaceutical drugs are an add-on treatment to your prescribed asthma inhalers. This includes both your daily controller inhaler and your quick-relief inhaler. In time, you may find you are able to use your quick-relief inhaler less. But you should continue to carry it with you in case of an asthma attack.
Do not stop any of your prescribed asthma medications without first discussing your symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Fact – The FDA considers unbranded biologics to be the same product as its biological counterpart. They maintain the same potency and effectiveness, but they do not meet all the criteria to be classified as biosimilars.
Fact – Not all biological products are interchangeable. Some biologics can be used to treat the same conditions, such as asthma. But due to the specificity of these drugs, it is important to only use them if they have indications for your specific health condition.
The same goes for biosimilar medications. To receive FDA approval, the drug has to prove they are highly similar, have the same active ingredients and no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product. If they do, the biosimilar would be safe to use and have the same health benefits as the biologic drug.
Fact – At first glance, biopharmaceuticals costs may seem high. In order to produce these medicines, the biopharmaceutical companies must undergo lengthy and costly tests and trials. These ensure the active ingredients are safe and effective for treatment of certain diseases. This process is what determines the original cost of the biologic.
Although the list price is high, many biologics are covered by private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Some people may be able to obtain their biologic with little to no cost under private insurance. In addition, many drug companies offer financial assistance plans to help reduce the costs. Ask your doctor about programs that are available for your biological medication.
