Biologics FAQs

Biologics represent the newest class of drugs used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease. They are genetically engineered proteins derived from living organisms. They are crafted and engineered to target a very specific mechanism of inflammation.

Patients with Crohn's produce too much of a protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Anti-TNF biologics work by targeting TNF-alpha and blocking it from causing inflammation in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Anti-TNF biologics have benefits in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease in patients who did not respond to usual treatments. They provide control of Crohn’s disease symptoms and are also effective at maintaining this control over time.

Biologic therapies offer a distinct advantage in Crohn's treatment. Their mechanism of action is targeted. Unlike corticosteroids, which tend to suppress the entire immune system, biologic agents act selectively.

No. Different biologics target different specialized proteins that play a role in increasing or decreasing inflammation. Anti-TNF biologics work by targeting TNF-alpha and blocking it from causing inflammation in your GI tract.

Only you and your doctor can make this decision. In general, if you continue to have symptoms of Crohn’s disease such as diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and fevers even after trying usual treatments like corticosteroids or immunomodulators, it may be time to talk to your doctor about treatment options including anti-TNF biologics.

Dose increases are another sign that it may be time to talk to your doctor about biologics. Dose escalations may be a signal of reduced response.

Crohn's disease is a chronic disease and there is no cure. However, one of the goals of ongoing treatment is remission of symptoms. In clinical trials, CIMZIA was shown to reduce or help stop many moderate to severe Crohn's symptoms, such as stomach pain and diarrhea, and to improve the general well-being within a few short weeks for some patients. The majority of the patients who continued taking CIMZIA experienced sustained relief beyond 4 years with no increase in dose.

Biologics need to be taken by injection just underneath the skin or through an intravenous infusion because the digestive system will disrupt their complex structure. If the medicine is taken as an injection, it can be self-administered at home or administered by a healthcare professional; however, an infusion must be given at an infusion center or medical facility. How often you will need an injection or infusion depends on which biologic your doctor prescribes.

Biologic drugs work by suppressing the immune system. Only one biologic is prescribed at a time because if they are taken together the immune system is suppressed too much and the risk of serious infections increases greatly.

For many patients prescribed a self-injectable, the answer is yes. Once you are properly trained on self-injection technique by your healthcare professional, the process isn’t difficult. However, it's important to discuss your options with your doctor and talk about your comfort level with self-administration.

Biologics are a type of medicine that affects your immune system. They can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Serious infections have happened in patients taking anti-TNF biologics. These infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some patients have died from these infections.

• Your doctor should test you for TB before starting biologic therapy.
• Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with a biologic.

Before starting with a biologic, tell your doctor if you live or have lived in certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys) where there is an increased risk for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis). If you do not know if you have lived in an area where histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis is common, ask your doctor.