1. How do I know which biologic is right for me?
3. How often do I take the biologic? What should I do if I miss a dose?
4. Should I be worried about my risk of infection if I take a biologic?
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5. I heard there’s an increased risk of cancer. Why should I still take this drug?
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6. I’m dealing with depression related to ankylosing spondylitis, and I’ve heard biologics may help. How?
2. I’m afraid of needles. Does it hurt to get a biologic?
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7. How much do biologics cost? Are they covered by insurance?
8. What are biosimilars? Are they the same as generics?
9. Will I continue taking other medications to treat ankylosing spondylitis while on biologics?
9. Will I have to take these medications forever?
8. Will I be able to afford this medication?
7. JAK inhibitors are still pretty new – are you sure they’re safe?
6. I read that JAK inhibitors increase the risk of blood clots. Should I be worried?
5. Can taking a JAK inhibitor cause cancer?
4. Why do I need to get certain vaccinations first?
3. Will taking a JAK inhibitor shut down my immune system?
2. If one JAK inhibitor doesn’t help me, does that mean none of them will?
1. Which JAK inhibitor is most likely to help me?
FAQs About Biologics, Answered
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Your rheumatologist will work with you to make appropriate recommendations for your particular situation, taking into account factors like cost and insurance coverage. If one biologic does not work for you, you can change to a different biologic until you find one that controls your inflammation and pain. The odds are very high that one will work — and work very well.
FAQs About JAK Inhibitors for RA, Answered
Biologics can be administered either as a self-injection or by IV infusion. Most patients find the self-injections tolerable because they’re not frequent and the outcome of less pain and stiffness is worth it. If you’re prescribed a self-injectable biologic, your rheumatologist will show you how and where to inject it when he or she gives you the first dose in the office. Be sure to ask questions if you don’t understand something. If you’re unsure about performing an at-home injection, a quick trip to the doctor’s office can refresh your memory and boost your confidence.
It depends on the specific medication you’re taking. At-home injections may be needed every week or two, while infusions may be given every four to six weeks. If you miss a dose, call your doctor and follow his or her instructions on when to take the next dose.
Since biologics can lower aspects of the immune system, there is an increased risk of infection. More common side effects include upper respiratory infections, hive-like rashes, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle aches and pains, and elevated liver enzymes. Your doctor will monitor you for these risks.
Many studies have supported a favorable safety profile for biologics in regard to risk of cancer. And for most people with ankylosing spondylitis, the benefits of taking a biologic outweigh the negligible risk of cancer. If you have a history of cancer, though, work with your rheumatologist and oncologist to make treatment decisions.
Whether your ankylosing spondylitis is mild, moderate, or severe, the emotional consequences of this inflammatory arthritis can be extremely difficult, leading to isolation, anger, depression, and suicidal thoughts. There are findings that people with ankylosing spondylitis report a higher quality of life and lower levels of depression after taking a biologic.
Biologics can be quite expensive, often ranging up to $30,000 or more per year. But many insurers cover biologics because they’re so effective. Your rheumatologist can discuss the cost with you and help you work with your insurer to find the biologic they will cover. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about coupons and discounts to help you pay for your medication. Also, check the drug company’s website for patient assistance programs that can help lower the cost of biologics and help with co-payments. These programs may provide a discount to patients in financial need. You can also ask your doctor for samples to try before you purchase a specific biologic covered by your plan.
A biosimilar is a drug that’s developed to be highly similar to an existing FDA-approved biologic, with no clinically meaningful differences, according to the FDA. Biosimilars differ from generics in a key way: The active ingredient in generics is identical to that of the drug they’re modeled after. But because the manufacturing process of biologics is so complex, it’s impossible to produce a drug that’s identical to the original. As their name implies, biosimilars are similar to the original biologic, not identical, but they should work in the same way and be as safe and effective as the biologic they’re mimicking.
Possibly. While you can only take one biologic at a time, you may take other medications, such as NSAIDS, for pain and stiffness, but you usually don’t need to. If your ankylosing spondylitis is stable on a biologic, it’s not recommended that you stop taking the medication or taper your dose, according to guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology. Work with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for your needs.
