Today we begin a new series of Tu Farmacéutico Informa video advice focused on raising awareness of biosimilar biological medications in the diseases in which these drugs are most used. And in this first video we will address arthritis
But, first of all, let's remember what a biosimilar is. When a biological medicine loses its patent and its exclusivity in the market, it opens up to competition, making it possible for other laboratories to market the same active ingredient.
And these are biosimilar drugs: biological drugs that are prescribed by your doctor and that have the same guarantees of quality, safety and effectiveness as the original biological.
And to talk about biosimilars in arthritis, we have today Raúl Ferrando Piqueres, member of the Hospital Pharmacy of the College of Pharmacists of Castellón, to explain it.
Thanks Ana, arthritis is a disease in which inflammation of the joints occurs. And the most common symptoms, although others may occur, are pain and stiffness.
It is estimated that arthritis is a disease that currently affects more than 500.000 people in Spain.
The arrival of biological medications has represented an extraordinary advance in the treatment of this disease although, due to their cost/benefit ratio, their use was reserved for serious cases. However, with the appearance of its biosimilar medications, the price has decreased and its use could be expanded to patients in whom traditional drugs do not obtain the desired result.
There are currently several types of arthritis in which biosimilars are used and they are:
o Psoriatic arthritis
o Rheumatoid arthritis in adults and juveniles
o Ankylosing spondylitis
Biosimilar medications currently used in arthritis include the following drugs:
or adalimumab
or etanercept
or infliximab
All three drugs have the same mechanism of action. Basically, they bind and neutralize a protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). TNF-α is one of the causes of inflammation, so neutralizing this protein improves the disease.
Infliximab is a medication for intravenous and subcutaneous administration. If it is administered intravenously, you will have to go to the day hospital so that the nurse can administer it to you.
Both adalimumab, infliximab and etanercept are included in medications administered subcutaneously and can be administered by the patient themselves at home. In this regard, there are two types of devices, syringes and prefilled pens. Remember that each device has specific application instructions, so it is important that a healthcare professional tells you how to administer it yourself or someone close to you.
Another very important aspect to keep in mind is that medications used subcutaneously—such as adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab—have special storage conditions, specifically they must be stored in the refrigerator—between 2ºC and 8ºC. It is important that the medicine is not frozen and is preserved from light until the moment of use to keep its properties intact.
When you are going to administer it, remember that it is very important to temper the medication for the time indicated on the package insert before using it.
Likewise, when you travel, you must maintain the cold chain of your medication, which is why you need to bring a portable refrigerator that keeps the medication at a temperature between 2ºC and 8ºC. This is necessary to ensure that the medication retains its properties and will produce the desired therapeutic effect on your body.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, healthy lifestyle habits are essential. Physical exercise, a balanced diet and quitting smoking will help improve disease control.
Remember, always ask your trusted pharmacist, the healthcare professional who is expert in the medication. We will inform you and resolve any questions you may have.
But, first of all, let's remember what a biosimilar is. When a biological medicine loses its patent and its exclusivity in the market, it opens up to competition, making it possible for other laboratories to market the same active ingredient.
And these are biosimilar drugs: biological drugs that are prescribed by your doctor and that have the same guarantees of quality, safety and effectiveness as the original biological.
And to talk about biosimilars in arthritis, we have today Raúl Ferrando Piqueres, member of the Hospital Pharmacy of the College of Pharmacists of Castellón, to explain it.
Thanks Ana, arthritis is a disease in which inflammation of the joints occurs. And the most common symptoms, although others may occur, are pain and stiffness.
It is estimated that arthritis is a disease that currently affects more than 500.000 people in Spain.
The arrival of biological medications has represented an extraordinary advance in the treatment of this disease although, due to their cost/benefit ratio, their use was reserved for serious cases. However, with the appearance of its biosimilar medications, the price has decreased and its use could be expanded to patients in whom traditional drugs do not obtain the desired result.
There are currently several types of arthritis in which biosimilars are used and they are:
o Psoriatic arthritis
o Rheumatoid arthritis in adults and juveniles
o Ankylosing spondylitis
Biosimilar medications currently used in arthritis include the following drugs:
or adalimumab
or etanercept
or infliximab
All three drugs have the same mechanism of action. Basically, they bind and neutralize a protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). TNF-α is one of the causes of inflammation, so neutralizing this protein improves the disease.
Infliximab is a medication for intravenous and subcutaneous administration. If it is administered intravenously, you will have to go to the day hospital so that the nurse can administer it to you.
Both adalimumab, infliximab and etanercept are included in medications administered subcutaneously and can be administered by the patient themselves at home. In this regard, there are two types of devices, syringes and prefilled pens. Remember that each device has specific application instructions, so it is important that a healthcare professional tells you how to administer it yourself or someone close to you.
Another very important aspect to keep in mind is that medications used subcutaneously—such as adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab—have special storage conditions, specifically they must be stored in the refrigerator—between 2ºC and 8ºC. It is important that the medicine is not frozen and is preserved from light until the moment of use to keep its properties intact.
When you are going to administer it, remember that it is very important to temper the medication for the time indicated on the package insert before using it.
Likewise, when you travel, you must maintain the cold chain of your medication, which is why you need to bring a portable refrigerator that keeps the medication at a temperature between 2ºC and 8ºC. This is necessary to ensure that the medication retains its properties and will produce the desired therapeutic effect on your body.
In addition to pharmacological treatment, healthy lifestyle habits are essential. Physical exercise, a balanced diet and quitting smoking will help improve disease control.
Remember, always ask your trusted pharmacist, the healthcare professional who is expert in the medication. We will inform you and resolve any questions you may have.