Biologic medications are emerging as effective treatment options for many autoimmune conditions. Biologics have been proven effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, psoriasis, and many other autoimmune diseases.
What are Biologic Medications?
Biologics are medicines derived from living cells or organisms. Biologic medications for treating autoimmune diseases are generally proteins (antibodies) that can precisely target the immune system to suppress inflammation and tissue damage in the body.
Due to selective action on the immune system, biologic medications have potentially fewer side effects. Humira, Remicade, and Enbrel are a few examples of biologics.
How Do Biologic Medications Work?
Biologic medications work by modifying the activity of the immune system to reduce inflammation and tissue degeneration. Some biologics work by inhibiting the inflammatory molecules called cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interleukins (IL).
Humira (adalimumab) is a biologic drug that blocks TNF-alpha activity to mitigate inflammation and associated symptoms. Remicade (infliximab) and Enbrel (etanercept) are also TNF-alpha blockers. These biologics work well in alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, uveitis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.
In parallel, some biologic medications work by inhibiting interleukins. Interleukins are major contributors to inflammation and tissue damage in some autoimmune conditions. Actemra (tocilizumab) is a biologic drug that inhibits interleukin-6 to treat ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis. Other biologics directly act on overly active immune cells. Orencia (abatacept) and Rituxan (Rituximab) are immune cells modulating biologic drugs for treating multiple sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis. that modulate immune cells.
Benefits of Biologic Medications
Biologics have superior efficacy over traditional medicine. In addition, biologic medications work faster to control symptoms and flare-ups and maintain disease remission over extended periods.
Biologic medications may provide relief to patients who conventional immune suppressant medications. Biologics have fewer side effects than traditional medicines. Abnormal weight gain, high blood pressure, bone loss, and infections are more common with standard immune suppressants.
Side Effects of Biologic Medications
Like other drugs, biologic drugs also have side effects. Side effects may vary depending on the type of biologic drug and mode of administration. Common side effects include:
- Allergic reaction to biologic medications
- Itching and swelling at the site of injection
- Nausea and stomach upset
- Increased risk of infection due to immune suppression
- Reactivation of infections like hepatitis B and tuberculosis. Healthcare professionals will test for any latent infections before prescribing biologic medications to avoid the risk of reactivation.
Less Common Side Effects
Some rarely reported side effects of biologic medications include:
- Blurred vision, numbness, or tingling
- Biologic medications can negatively affect liver and heart function.
- Skin rash
- Biologic medications may slightly increase the risk of certain types of skin cancer
Managing Side Effects
The side effects of biologicscan be controlled by taking the right precautions and treatments.
- It is recommended that the first dose of biologics should be administered in the presence of a physician to deal with any severe allergic reaction.
- Keeping good hygiene will reduce the risk of infection
- Peppermint or ginger tea might help with nausea and an upset stomach
- Physician may prescribe medicines to treat severe side effects
- Ensure regular checkups and follow the treatment plan
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