Biologic Medications Overview

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What are biologic drugs?

Biologic drugs are human-made proteins that are designed to zero in on parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation. They come from a living source (a human or animal) or its products. Biologics can treat a variety of conditions, such as cancer, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease.

How do biologic drugs work?

Biologic drugs target specific proteins or cells in your body. For example, biologic drugs designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis block certain inflammatory proteins or pro-inflammatory cells. Biologic cancer treatments help the body's own immune system identify and destroy cancer cells.

Are biologics the only drug that works?

Biologics are relatively new drugs that can greatly improve the lives of people with many conditions and diseases. Many biologics are now available, and more are being studied in research trials. For some people, a biologic may be the only drug that works.

What are biologics & how do they work?

Biologics are powerful drugs that may slow or stop inflammation that can damage joints and organs in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Biologics are a subset of a class of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

What are biologic medicines?

Biologic medicines are antibodies that are made by living cells in a lab. Antibodies are proteins that recognise and stick to specific targets. They are large, complex molecules. Biologics have been used to treat Crohn’s or Colitis for over 20 years. Other targeted medicines are made by chemical processes.

What are biologics & other targeted medicines?

Biologics and other targeted medicines are types of treatment for Crohn’s and Colitis. In general, they are prescribed for people with moderate to severe Crohn's or Colitis. This information provides an overview of biologics and other targeted medicines. It is for people who may be starting treatment with one, or considering it as an option.

When are biologic medications used for inflammatory conditions?

They are often used if other medications such as steroids or azathioprine have not been effective at controlling your disease, or if you have experienced side effects. There are many different types of biologic medication used for a wide variety of inflammatory conditions, which include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

What are biological medicines?

Biological medicines are medicines that are made by or derived from a biological source using biotechnology processes, such as recombinant DNA technology.

What Is Biologic Medications

1. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/what-biologic-drug-3565613/
2. https://www.medicinenet.com/biologics_biologic_drug_class/article.htm
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-biologic-drugs-2663233

Biologic Medications Information

1. https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-leaflets/starting-biologic-medication
2. https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/media/evclmrre/biologic-medicines-ed-2d-2023.pdf
3. https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/uploads/about/docs/our_publications/patient_information_leaflets/Eye_Department/Biologic_medications_for_dermatological_conditions_027-21.pdf
4. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/medicines-guidance/guidance-on-prescribing/
5. https://www.health.com/biologics-7967282
6. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/sites/default/files/legacy/assets/pdfs/biologic-therapy.pdf