Frequently Asked Questions About Biologic Medication
Scientists develop most drugs in a lab using a chemical process. For biologic drugs, they use living cells. The cells come from organisms, such as humans, animals, bacteria, and even viruses. Biologics are FDA-approved drugs and part of a drug class called monoclonal antibodies. They treat patients who live with inflammatory diseases and immune system issues.
Biologics target specific proteins in the immune system that cause inflammation. They interrupt the inflammatory process. This can help stop symptoms before they can start.
Most biologics are given by an injection. Some are given by intravenous infusion, or IV. Biologics are given by injection or IV as a way to ensure the medicine gets into the bloodstream.
You may be able to self-administer a biologics injection at home.
The process for making biologics starts with finding the specific protein that triggers inflammation. Cells are grown containing the gene that makes that protein. This becomes the “master cell line.” Scientists transfer the cells for mass production into a device called a bioreactor. Then the scientists isolate and purify it. It is then mixed in with a sterile solution that is safe for use in people.
Biologics for asthma, allergies, eczema and other allergic inflammatory diseases include:
- Xolair® (omalizumab)
- Nucala® (mepolizumab)
- Cinqair® (reslizumab)
- Fasenra® (benralizumab)
- Dupixent® (dupilumab)
- Tezspire® (tezepelumab-ekko)
- Adbry® (tralokinumab-lrdm)
- Ebglyss™ (lebrikizumab-lbkz)
- Nemluvio® (nemolizumab)
A biosimilar drug for omalizumab (Xolair) is available for prescription. The brand name is Omlyclo®. A biosimilar is essentially a copy of a biologic drug. The active ingredients are the same. Some inactive ingredients may differ, but these are minor.
Biologics are available to treat other conditions. For example, Lantus® insulin is a biologic used to treat diabetes. Humira® treats rheumatoid arthritis. Herceptin® treats HER2-positive breast cancer.
Traditional medications are made through a chemical process and are available in various forms. This includes pills, tablets, capsules and ointments, as well as the medication inside inhalers for asthma treatment. Biologic medicines are created from the cells of living organisms. They are typically given as an injection or an infusion.
Biologics target specific cells within the immune system that cause inflammation. This can prevent recurring symptoms. Traditional treatments don’t prevent symptoms. They are primarily taken to relieve symptoms.
Biologics are now available to treat all sorts of diseases.
- Severe asthma
- Eosinophilic asthma
- COPD with an eosinophilic type
- Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Food allergies
- Chronic urticaria (hives)
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
Are your symptoms not getting better using traditional medicines? Start a conversation with your doctor about your symptoms and treatment plan. Ask if biologics are an option. Use a shared decision-making approach by working together with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.
Potential side effects can vary among biologics and among patients. The most common side effects are pain or soreness at the injection site, headache, sore throat and fatigue. If you experience severe side effects from a biologic, alert your doctor and ask for guidance.
Biologic drugs are expensive. The average cost is between $10,000 and $30,000 per year without insurance. In most cases, insurance will cover the cost of biologic drugs. Coverage may vary depending on the specific biologic, the insurance plan, and the medical condition being treated. You may have to pay a portion of the cost, however. And your insurance company may want to approve the biologic treatment before you start it.
Medicare Part D and Medicare Part B can cover the costs of biologic treatments. States that participate in Medicaid may also provide coverage for biologics.
Before starting a biologic drug, make sure you know how much you have to pay out-of-pocket. Many drug companies have financial assistance programs. See our Resources page for details.
There is no specific length of time you can stay on a biologic. It is recommended you stay on them for at least four months to see how well they are working for you.
Biologics are often used as long-term therapy for chronic conditions. Whether a person needs to stay on biologics for life depends on a variety of factors:
- The severity of the condition
- How they respond to the treatment
- Safety concerns
- A person’s own preference
Biologics are often effective at controlling symptoms and can improve well-being. Talk with your doctor about how long you have to stay on the biologic drug. Each person has different health needs.
Talk to your doctor before stopping a prescribed biologic drug. Your symptoms may return or get worse if you stop using your biologic. The medication may not work as well if you stop and restart it.
Biologics do not cure diseases. They target cells and pathways in your body to stop inflammation that causes symptoms. In some cases, biologics can cause your symptoms to stop over time.
Biologic drugs have changed how many chronic and severe conditions are treated. They offer significant benefits for patients who have not responded to typical therapies.
When deciding on a biologic, doctors and patients may consider:
- The severity of the condition
- The person’s medical history and risk factors
- How well other treatments work
- The benefits and risks of specific biologic drugs
Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking biologics and whether they are right for you.
Generic drugs and biosimilars are both copies of brand-name medicines. They typically cost less than their brand-name drug counterpart.
Generics are medications made synthetically through chemical processes. Biosimilars are biologic drugs made from living organisms.
Generics have a streamlined FDA approval process. Biosimilar drugs undergo a stricter approval process that may take more time.
Generics typically come in pill, tablet or liquid form. Biosimilars are administered by injection or infusion.ut the benefits and risks of taking biologics and whether they are right for you.
In general, there are not any foods people should avoid when on biologics.
Biologics can have an affect the immune system so it’s important to avoid foods that might increase the risk of infections and food poisoning. These foods include raw eggs, undercooked meat, leftover cooked rice, fish and unpasteurized milk.
People on biologics should consult with their healthcare provider about alcohol consumption. Alcohol can interact with certain drugs.
Maintaining a balanced diet can support your overall health. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to complement your biologic therapy and support well-being. Minimize processed foods high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Processed foods can contribute to inflammation.
Weight gain is not listed as a side effect of biologic medications. But responses to medication can vary. Some people may experience weight changes while on biologics.
Infusions can take 20 minutes to several hours to complete. This is due to the dosage amount, the rate it is given, and the patient’s response.
All biologics interact with the immune system, but some can suppress it, potentially increasing the risk of viral or bacterial infections. However, biologics used to treat asthma and allergies target the allergic pathways of the immune system and generally do not weaken immune function.
Biologics may be a great option for inflammatory autoimmune diseases and other medical conditions.
