What is a biologic medicine?

When a doctor mentions a biologic medicine, many people fear their disease has become bad. That is not necessarily so. These medicines are simply one of the ways to control inflammation.

What are these medicines?

Biologic medicines are made by living cells. Instead of damping down the whole immune system, they work on specific proteins that carry the message of inflammation. Put simply, they interrupt that message.

Most are given as injections under the skin or as drips into a vein, usually when first treatment has not been enough. They are sometimes prescribed with medicines such as methotrexate, because the combination can work better.

What happens before starting?

Your doctor asks about your health and orders tests, including checks for tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Be sure to mention:

• An active infection or repeated infections
• Liver, kidney or heart disease
• A history of cancer
• Vaccines you have had or need
• Plans for pregnancy

The main side effect: infection

Because these medicines hold back part of the immune system, the risk of infection rises. The more common infections are colds, sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis and urinary infections. Serious infections sometimes happen too.

If you have a fever, chills or signs of infection, call your doctor before your next dose. Whether to delay or continue is your doctor’s decision.

Vaccines

Keep your vaccines up to date, but ask your doctor before any live vaccine. It is best to look at this before starting the medicine.

How long does it take?

The time to work differs between medicines, and not everyone responds to the same one. If one medicine is not enough, there are usually other options. Do not stop without advice.

A few practical points

• Store the medicine as the leaflet says.
• Keep a note of your injection days.
• Before any surgery or dental work, tell the doctor you take this medicine.
• Every doctor you see should know what you take.