Similarities, Costs, and Access
Biosimilar drugs are manufactured similarly tobiologic drugs.
Many people think biosimilars are generic versions of biologics.
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For consumers, the most important difference between biologics and biosimilars is price.
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One of the main arguments for using biosimilars is the cost savings for both patients and insurance companies.
In 2016, the FDA approved three biosimilars to treatplaque psoriasisandpsoriatic arthritis.
This article discusses the relationship between biologics and biosimilars along with how they compare in cost.
What Is a Biosimilar?
A biosimilar drug is made to be “highly similar” to its FDA-approved biologic counterpart.
It is similar in strength, dosage, and effect on the immune system.
These trials take place at medical research centers located in multiple locations with diverse population groups.
The biologic is only approved once it has met the FDA’s high standards for safety and effectiveness.
Biosimilars undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure their safety as well.
Highly similar means the structure and function of the biosimilar product are the same as the original biologic product.
Who Should Not Take Biosimilars?
Biosimilars are prescribed to treat advanced cases of a disease, including psoriatic conditions.
If you develop these infections, you should not take biosimilar drugs.
If you are pregnant or nursing, you may need to stop taking a biosimilar drug.
If you develop signs of infection when taking biosimilars or biologics, call your healthcare provider right away.
Much like biologics, biosimilars are usually safe to use withtopical treatmentsandphototherapyfor psoriasis.
However, research has suggested there are some cases when mixing treatments is not advised.
Any drug that interacts with a biologic should not be used with a biosimilar.
Like biologics, biosimilars work by suppressing immune system function.
For this reason, biosimilars may not be right for people who have an increased risk of infection.
You will also want to find out if your insurance will cover the cost of a biosimilar.
If it currently does not, ask when coverage will be available.
Once these drugs are approved and hit the market, you’ll have more options for treating psoriatic disease.
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