Take Action on Biological Medications
You’ve learned about Biological Medications and discussed with your doctor if this medication might be right for you.
How do you make Biological Medications a part of your health journey?
When you and your doctor have made a decision to use a biologic medication, let the doctor know that you’re ready to move ahead and get started!
Check with your doctor to determine if specific medical tests or assessments will need to be done before you begin a biological medication. Things the doctor may want to check, depending on your condition, may include:
- Your current lung function and/or fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
- Your current atopic dermatitis status
- Screening for hepatitis B or C
- Screening for tuberculosis (TB)
- Blood tests (complete blood count, metabolic panel, Vitamin D, tryptase and total IgE level)
- Blood tests (complete blood count, metabolic panel, Vitamin D, tryptase, blood eosinophils and total IgE level)
- Vaccine status
Be sure you know:
- How the medication will be given – will it be given by injection in the doctor’s office or at home? Will it be given by infusion at an infusion center?
- If the medication is given at home, how should it be stored? Will any special equipment be needed?
- Should you continue your current medications and treatments?
- Have you alerted your doctor to any planned medical procedures or surgeries?
- How will the medication be paid for?
- What side effects should be watched for? What action should be taken if any side effects are severe?
How can I get more information on biological medications and biosimilars?
The links below can help you find more information on biological medications:
- Biologicals – World Health Organization
- About Medicines – Australia Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Biologic Treatment for Severe Asthma – Asthma Canada
- Biologic Treatments for Severe Asthma – Asthma and Lungs UK
- Biologic Treatment for Severe Asthma – Cleveland Clinic
- Boosting Biosimilar. Boosting Health – Spanish Association of Biosimilars
- New Treatments for Moderate to Severe Atopic Eczema: Biologic Therapies – Allergy UK
- Nucala is now listed on the PBS for nasal polyps – Asthma Australia
- Update on Indication and Evaluation of Biologics in CRSwNP 2023 -EPOS/EUFOREA
Links to the companies that make each highlighted biological medication:
- Dupilumab (Dupixent)
- Benralizumab (Fasenra)
- Tezepelumab-ekko (Tezspire)
- Mepolizumab (Nucala)
- Omalizumab (Xolair)
- Reslizumab (Cinqair)
- Quilizumab
- Tralokinumab- ldrm – (Adbry)
Additional resources:
- Are you on a Biologic Medication? What you need to know about biosimilar treatment options – US Federal Trade Commission
- Looking after yourself whilst on biologics or biosimilars for skin conditions – NHS – University Hospital Sussex
- Severe Asthma – Allergy & Asthma Organization of Kenya
Current situation and therapeutic perspectives in cystic fibrosis – European Respiratory Society
Learn
- What words do you need to know?
- What Biological medications are used for allergy and airway health issues?
- Are Biological medications expensive?
- What is treatment with a Biological medication like?
- What should I consider when thinking about a Biological medication?
Discuss
- What questions do I want to ask my doctor or healthcare provider?
- What is shared decision making?
- How do my doctor and I find the right Biological medication for me?
Take Action
- How do I prepare for treatment with a Biological medication?
- What resources are available for me as I move forward with a Biological medication?
- What should I expect from treatment with a Biological medication?
Based in Vienna, Austria, GAAPP’s Board is representative of all regions of the world with large and small groups, all with a common purpose: empowering the patient and supporting the patient voice so that decision-makers in both the public and private sectors in government and industry will be mindful of patient needs, patient desires, and patient rights.
Since 2009 we have grown into a vibrant worldwide organization with more than 60 constituent members from every continent sharing information and best practices, concerns, and hopes.
It is not the policy of Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform to recommend or endorse any product or treatment.
It is part of the role of GAAPP to provide information on a wide range of products and treatments to keep those with allergy & airways issues as fully informed as possible as to all options available. For medical advice, consult your health professional.
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