Biosimilars are drugs that are modeled after another type of drug called biologics. Both can be used to treat a variety of health issues, including autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and certain types of cancer.
Biologics are made from a natural source, such as plant or human cells, and biosimilars are produced the same way. To be approved by the FDA, a biosimilar must be shown to work as well and be as safe as its biological model (called a reference product).
Making drugs from living material is a complex and time-consuming process, and the price of biologics reflects this. For example, biologic drugs used to treat RA can cost up to $36,000 a year.
Because biosimilars are based on a biologic, they are easier and cheaper to manufacture — meaning they cost patients less. On average, biosimilars are approx one third the price of the reference product.
If you live with a health condition that can be treated with biologics, it’s possible that biosimilars are a more affordable alternative that works just as well.
Here are some questions to ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about biosimilars.
What is your experience with biosimilars?
This is probably the first thing you should ask because your HCP may not have the knowledge or experience to answer your questions about biosimilars. But they should be able to refer you to someone who can.
Are there biosimilars available for my condition?
Biosimilars can be used to treat or manage many chronic health conditions, including diabetes, colitis, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. They are also used to treat breast, lung and colon cancer.
If you have one or more of these conditions, there is likely a biosimilar that can help. And if you’re already using a biologic to manage a health problem, a biosimilar could be a more affordable option.
This price difference could be particularly useful for women, as they are more likely to engage with them than men chronic health conditions. Biosimilars may also offer women a more affordable alternative to a treatment they might not otherwise be able to receive, such as some expensive breast cancer treatments.
Will a biosimilar be covered by my insurance?
Which biosimilars (if any) will be covered depends entirely on your insurance plan and your unique health conditions (your diagnosis, whether you’ve tried other treatments, etc.). For example, some insurance companies may choose to cover certain biologics instead of biosimilars because they have he made deals with the manufacturers of these biologics.
HCPs are not necessarily insurance experts, but most have experience helping patients navigate the process of finding which drugs are covered.
Read: Obstacles to biosimilars >>
Is a biosimilar as effective as a biologic?
Biosimilars must be shown to work the same way—and as well—as the reference biologic for which they are formulated before they are approved by the FDA. Your HCP can give you information about how well the biosimilars they recommend are working.
How do I safely switch from a biologic to its biosimilar?
Because biosimilars are similar—but not identical—versions of biologics, switching from biologic to biosimilar is not as simple as substituting a generic version of a drug for a brand name. (Both biosimilars and generics are copies of drugs already approved by the FDA, but biosimilars are only similar to their reference biologics because they are large molecules made from living things, while generics are the same as brand-name drugs which you copy because they are small molecules made from chemicals.)
We said, a recent one review of several studies including more than 5,000 patients who switched between biologics and biosimilars found no difference in safety between the two. Your HCP can walk you through the process and will check to make sure your body is responding well to the switch.
How will the biosimilar interact with other medications I am currently taking?
Anytime you’re considering a new drug, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about how that drug might interact with the ones you’re already taking. Bringing a list of all the medications you take (including over-the-counter ones like allergy medications and supplements) can help your HCP get a clear picture of potential interactions with biosimilars.
What are the risks/side effects of the biosimilar you are prescribing
The FDA has strict safety standards for drugs, and biosimilars must be proven safe before they can be approved. But all medications carry some degree of risk and/or have the potential to cause side effects. A lot depends on the specific drug and your current health status — not just the condition you’re considering treating with a biosimilar, but any other health conditions you’re dealing with.
A biosimilar will have the same risks/side effects as the biologic it is designed to match. Your HCP can help you understand the potential risks and side effects of biosimilars based on your unique health condition.
Feeling empowered to find answers
It’s important to note that not every provider is an expert on biosimilars, and that’s okay. If your HCP is unable to answer these and other questions for you, you should feel empowered to ask for a referral to someone who can.
This educational resource was created with support from Sandoz.
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