Biologics are a special kind of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). In the majority of cases, they are prescribed when treatment with conventional DMARDs has not been effective. These amazing drugs work very well for a lot of people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other types of inflammatory arthritis. Read on to learn more about Biologics and how they can help alleviate the symptoms of your condition. Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine is a top foot and ankle clinic in Celebration. We treat everything from a small fracture to reconstructive surgery. The board-certified surgeons at our center are extremely qualified and use innovative and advanced surgical techniques. We also offer many non surgical treatment options to promote healing and recovery without the invasiveness of surgery. Call Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute for your appointment today!
Celebration Orthopaedic Discusses Biologics
Biologics consist of genetically engineered proteins that target specific areas of the immune system that fuel inflammation. Non-biologic drugs, like methotrexate, will have a less concentrated approach. Basically, if you picture your body as a battleground, biologic drugs are the snipers. They are able to take out one specific target only, which is why they are highly effective. However, it is also why drug selections can be difficult since inflammatory diseases are typically driven by a combination of factors. Combining biologics doesn’t really work either, and can end up increasing your risks quite a bit. This means that biologics are only used singly or in combination with other non-biologics such as methotrexate. Categories of biologics commonly used include:
- B-Cell inhibitors
- Interleukin inhibitors
- Selective Costimulation Modulator
- Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF-inhibitors)
A Top Foot And Ankle Clinic On Pros And Cons Of Biologics
All biologic drugs are engineered to lower inflammation and slow joint damage. They may have truly amazing effects for certain people with inflammatory forms of arthritis. However, there are certain cons that come with these benefits. Since you are essentially suppressing your immune system, you are putting yourself at risk for infection. Biologics are given as injection or infusion, and thus there is always the risk of an injection site reaction or an infusion reaction. Biologics are also more difficult to make than conventional DMARDS, so they will be more costly. It’s important to keep in mind that one biologic may work wonders for some people, but not for others. A biologic can also seem to work for you in the beginning, but then stop working after a while. If the first one you try doesn’t work well for you, then your doctor does have other options for you to try. There are four different classes of biologics, and each is categorized for its specific inflammatory target. Every class of this drug will have their own risks and benefits to be aware of.
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It’s important to not let joint damage impact your quality of life. Biological injections can help. Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute is a top foot and ankle clinic in Celebration. Call Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute to schedule an appointment today!