Biologics vs. Biosimilars for Crohn’s & Colitis: What Patients Should Know

If you live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you may have heard your gastroenterologist mention biologics or biosimilars as part of your treatment plan. But what do these terms mean, and is there a difference that matters to you as a patient?

At Infusion Solutions of Delaware, we know that understanding your treatment can help you feel more comfortable and confident throughout your infusion journey.

What Is a Biologic?

Biologics are complex medications made using living cells. They are designed to target specific parts of the immune system that contribute to inflammation.

For people with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, biologic therapy may be recommended when other treatments have not adequately controlled the disease or when a gastroenterologist determines that biologic treatment is appropriate.

Some biologic medications for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are administered through an IV infusion, while others are given by injection.

What Is a Biosimilar?

A biosimilar is a biologic medication that is highly similar to an FDA-approved biologic, known as the reference product.

Because biologics are made from living cells and are extremely complex, biosimilars are not exact copies in the same way that generic versions of traditional medications are.

However, an FDA-approved biosimilar must demonstrate that there are no clinically meaningful differences from its reference product in terms of safety, purity and potency.

In other words, a biosimilar is not simply a less-effective version of a biologic. It must meet rigorous FDA requirements before it can be approved for patient use.

Are Biosimilars the Same as Generic Drugs?

No. Although the concepts are similar, biologics and traditional medications are made differently.

A generic medication generally contains the same active ingredient as its brand-name counterpart. Biologic medications are much more complex, so biosimilars are highly similar rather than exact copies.

The important point for patients is that FDA-approved biosimilars must meet specific standards demonstrating that they have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference biologic.

Why Might I Receive a Biosimilar?

There are several reasons your treatment plan may include a biosimilar.

Your gastroenterologist may select a biosimilar based on your individual medical needs. Your insurance plan may also have specific coverage or formulary requirements that influence which medication is approved.

If your provider or insurance company recommends changing from a reference biologic to a biosimilar, ask questions. Your healthcare provider, pharmacist and infusion team can help you understand the medication and what to expect.

What Happens When You Receive an IBD Infusion?

For patients receiving IV biologic or biosimilar therapy, the infusion experience is an important part of treatment.

At Infusion Solutions of Delaware, our goal is to make the infusion process as comfortable, convenient and supportive as possible.

Our experienced infusion team works with your prescribing provider to administer your ordered therapy and monitor you throughout your appointment. We also understand that regular infusion appointments become part of your routine, so we strive to create an environment where patients feel informed and cared for at every visit.

For patients in Delaware receiving Crohn’s disease infusion therapy or ulcerative colitis infusion therapy, having an infusion center you can trust can provide peace of mind.

Questions to Ask About Your IBD Treatment

Whether you are starting a biologic, transitioning to a biosimilar or continuing a treatment you have received for years, it is okay to ask questions.

Consider asking your healthcare team:

• What medication am I receiving?
• Is it a biologic or biosimilar?
• Why was this medication selected for me?
• How often will I need treatment?
• What should I expect during my infusion?
• What side effects should I report?
• What should I do if my symptoms change?
• Who should I contact if I have questions between treatments?

Your Infusion Care Matters, Too

Managing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is about more than the medication itself. Your treatment experience matters, too.

At Infusion Solutions of Delaware, we provide infusion care for patients throughout Delaware and work alongside their healthcare providers to help make prescribed infusion therapy a smooth part of their ongoing care.

If your gastroenterologist has prescribed biologic or biosimilar infusion therapy for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, talk with your provider about whether Infusion Solutions of Delaware may be an appropriate location for your treatment.

The Bottom Line

Biologics and biosimilars have expanded treatment options for people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While the terminology can be confusing, understanding the difference can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare team.

Your gastroenterologist will determine which treatment is appropriate for your individual condition. And when infusion therapy is part of your treatment plan, Infusion Solutions of Delaware is here to provide experienced, patient-focused infusion care close to home.