- Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow Pictures
- Joint-Friendly Exercises to Reduce RA Pain Slideshow
- Take the RA Quiz
- What is a biologic drug (biologics)?
- What are the medical uses for biologics?
- What are the side effects of biologics?
- What preparations are available for biologics?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with biologics?
- Are biologics safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- What brand and generic names are available for biologics?
What is a biologic drug (biologics)?
- A biologic drug (biologics) is a product that is produced from living organisms or contain components of living organisms.
- Biologic drugs include a wide variety of products derived from human, animal, or microorganisms by using biotechnology.
- Types of biologic drugs include vaccines, blood, blood components, cells, allergens, genes, tissues, and recombinant proteins.
- Biologic products may contain proteins that control the action of other proteins and cellular processes, genes that control production of vital proteins, modified human hormones, or cells that produce substances that suppress or activate components of the immune system.
- Biologic drugs are sometimes referred to as biologic response modifiers because they change the manner of operation of natural biologic intracellular and cellular actions.
What are the medical uses for biologics?
Biologic drugs are used for treatment of numerous diseases and conditions, and are the most advanced therapies available. Some biologic drugs are used for the treatment of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. Available biologics have revolutionized cancer treatment, delayed or reversed the course of immune related conditions, changed the lives of people with rare diseases, and have offered hope for many patients who previously had no effective treatment options for their condition.
Examples of medical uses for biologic drugs include:
- Various cancers
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Heart attack
- Systemic lupus erythematous
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Prevention of pneumonia
- Anemia
- Chronic migraine
- Hepatitis B
- Hemophilia
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis
- HPV prevention
- Varicella virus vaccine
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Osteoporosis
- Allergic asthma
- Chronic idiopathic urticaria
- Infertility
- Prevention of meningococcal disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

SLIDESHOW
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis See SlideshowWhat are the side effects of biologics?
Side effects of a biologic drug depends on the specific biologic drug, and method of introduction into the body.
- Most biologic drugs have the potential to cause allergic hypersensitivity reactions.
- Biologic drugs that are used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other immune related disorders suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections.
- Since some biologic drugs are given by injection they also can cause injection site reactions.
- Other biologic drugs are given intravenously and can cause infusion reactions.
These side effects are compiled from side effects listed for several biologic drugs. Each type of biologic drug has its own specific side effect profile and may or may not cause the side effects listed here.
Common side effects of biologic drugs include:
- Allergic reactions
- Injection site reactions
- Chills
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Itching
- High blood glucose levels
- Cough
- Constipation
Other side effects of biologic drugs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Peripheral edema
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle aches and pain
- Decreased appetite
- Increased triglyceride levels
- Insomnia
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Infusion reactions
Serious side effects of biologic drugs include:
- Low blood pressure
- Anaphylaxis
- Serious infections
- Cancer
- Serum sickness
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Arterial and venous blood clots
- Congestive heart failure
- Bleeding
- Interstitial lung disease
- Hepatitis
- Generation of antibodies
- Enterocolitis
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Mucositis
- Stomatitis
- Anemia
- Reduced white blood cell counts
- Hypothyroidism
What preparations are available for biologics?
Biologic drugs are administered by injection or infusion because they are proteins that are quickly digested and inactivated if given by mouth. Therefore, biologic drugs are supplied as powders for infusion or solutions for injection.
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Which drugs or supplements interact with biologics?
- Biologic drugs, for example, adalimubab (Humira), that affect the immune system may interfere with the effectiveness of vaccines. Live vaccines, including attenuated vaccines, should not be used while patients are being treated with biologics that affect the immune system. Patients should complete all recommended immunizations prior to receiving these types of biologic drygs. Prescreening for dormant tuberculosis (TB) generally is recommended.
- Serious infections are more likely to occur when biologic drugs that suppress the immune system are combined with other drugs that also suppress the immune system.
Are biologics safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- Most biologic drugs have not been adequately studied in pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
- Some biologics, for example follitropin alpha (Gonal f), nivolumab (Opdivo), and pembrolizumab (Keytruda), may be harmful to the fetus because of their mechanism of action and the results from animal studies.
- Some biologic drygs may be present in breast milk. Mothers who are breastfeeding should decide with their doctors whether or not to stop or discontinue the biologic because many drugs are excreted in breast milk and there may present a risk of serious adverse effects in the infant.

QUESTION
The term arthritis refers to stiffness in the joints. See AnswerWhat brand and generic names are available for biologics?
List of examples of brand and generic biologic drugs available in the US
- abatacept (Orencia)
- abciximab (ReoPro)
- abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport)
- adalimumab (Humira)
- adalimumab-atto (Amjevita)
- ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla)
- aflibercept (Eylea)
- agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme)
- albiglutide (Tanzeum)
- aldesleukin (Proleukin)
- alemtuzumab (Campath, Lemtrada)
- alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme, Lumizyme)
- alirocumab (Praluent)
- alteplase, cathflo activase (Activase)
- anakinra (Kineret)
- asfotase alfa (Strensiq)
- asparaginase (Elspar)
- asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (Erwinaze)
- atezolizumab (Tecentriq)
- basiliximab (Simulect)
- becaplermin (Regranex)
- belatacept (Nulojix)
- belimumab (Benlysta)
- bevacizumab (Avastin)
- bezlotoxumab (Zinplava)
- blinatumomab (Blincyto)
- brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris)
- canakinumab (Ilaris)
- capromab pendetide (ProstaScint)
- certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
- cetuximab (Erbitux)
- collagenase (Santyl)
- collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex)
- daclizumab (Zenapax)
- daclizumab (Zinbryta)
- daratumumab (Darzalex)
- darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)
- denileukin diftitox (Ontak)
- denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva)
- dinutuximab (Unituxin)
- dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)
- dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- ecallantide (Kalbitor)
- eculizumab (Soliris)
- elosulfase alfa (Vimizim)
- elotuzumab (Empliciti)
- epoetin alfa (Epogen/Procrit)
- etanercept (Enbrel)
- etanercept-szzs (Erelzi)
- evolocumab (Repatha)
- filgrastim (Neupogen)
- filgrastim-sndz (Zarxio)
- follitropin alpha (Gonal f)
- galsulfase (Naglazyme)
- glucarpidase (Voraxaze)
- golimumab (Simponi)
- golimumab injection (Simponi Aria)
- ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin)
- idarucizumab (Praxbind)
- idursulfase (Elaprase)
- incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin)
- infliximab (Remicade)
- infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra)
- interferon alfa-2b (Intron A)
- interferon alfa-n3 (Alferon N Injection)
- interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif)
- interferon beta-1b (Betaseron, Extavia)
- interferon gamma-1b (Actimmune)
- ipilimumab (Yervoy)
- ixekizumab (Taltz)
- laronidase (Aldurazyme)
- mepolizumab (Nucala)
- methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (Mircera)
- metreleptin (Myalept)
- natalizumab (Tysabri)
- necitumumab (Portrazza)
- nivolumab (Opdivo)
- obiltoxaximab (Anthim)
- obinutuzumab (Gazyva)
- ocriplasmin (Jetrea)
- ofatumumab (Arzerra)
- olaratumab (Lartruvo)
- omalizumab (Xolair)
- onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
- oprelvekin (Neumega)
- palifermin (Kepivance)
- palivizumab (Synagis)
- panitumumab (Vectibix)
- parathyroid hormone (Natpara)
- pegaspargase (Oncaspar)
- pegfilgrastim (Neulasta)
- peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys)
- peginterferon alfa-2b (PegIntron, Sylatron)
- peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy)
- pegloticase (Krystexxa)
- pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
- pertuzumab (Perjeta)
- ramucirumab (Cyramza)
- ranibizumab (Lucentis)
- rasburicase (Elitek)
- raxibacumab
- reslizumab (Cinqair)
- reteplase (Retavase)
- rilonacept (Arcalyst)
- rimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc)
- rituximab (Rituxan)
- romiplostim (Nplate)
- sargramostim (Leukine)
- sebelipase alfa (Kanuma)
- secukinumab (Cosentyx)
- siltuximab (Sylvant)
- tbo-filgrastim (Granix)
- tenecteplase (TNKase)
- tocilizumab (Actemra)
- trastuzumab (Herceptin)
- ustekinumab (Stelara)
- vedolizumab (Entyvio)
- ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)
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Summary
A biologic drug is a product that is produced from living organisms or contain components of living organisms. Biologics include recombinant proteins, tissues, genes, allergens, cells, blood components, blood, and vaccines. Biologics are used to treat numerous disease and conditions, for example, anemia, chronic migraine, hepatitis B, hemophilia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis, HPV prevention, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease.
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Infertility
Infertility is the diminished ability to conceive a child. Infertility can be a problem with both men and women. Infertility in men can be caused by medical conditions, unhealthy habits, and toxins from the environment. Infertility in women can be caused by problems with ovarian function, the Fallopian tubes, or the physical characteristics of the uterus. Methods of conceiving for couples that cannot conceive include intrauterine inseminations (IUIs) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), specific drugs, assisted reproductive technology (ART), surgery, and gestational carrier.
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious viral infection. Symptoms and signs include fever and nasal congestion and discharge. Treatment focuses on supportive care. This disease has a good prognosis in babies and infants.
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Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Contagious?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious viral infection that causes symptoms such as decreased appetite, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and mild fever. The incubation period is 4-6 days, and the contagious period ends after the symptoms disappear.
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Is Hepatitis B Contagious?
Hepatitis B is a type of liver infection. Hepatitis B is spread through person-to-person contact or through personal items like razors, toothbrushes, etc. Symptoms of hepatitis B include fever, yellowish skin (jaundice), dark urine, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. There is no drug to cure hepatitis B; however, there is a hepatitis B vaccine available.
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Asthma Medications
There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators. Asthma medicines may be inhaled using a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer or they may be taken orally. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease shouldn't take OTC asthma drugs like Primatene Mist and Bronkaid.
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What Is Asthma? 19 Complex Facts
There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
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Are Hives (Urticaria) Contagious?
Hives are not contagious are triggered by an allergic response to a substance. Symptoms and signs of hives include a raised, itchy red rash on the skin. An individual should seek medical care for hives if he or she develops dysphagia, wheezing, shortness of breath, or throat tightening.
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Is Crohn's Disease Contagious?
Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and is characterized by symptoms and signs that include diarrhea, fever, weight loss, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Though Crohn's disease is not contagious it can spread throughout a person's gastrointestinal tract. An increase in the above symptoms and signs warrants a visit to a doctor's office.
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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) annually affects one child in every thousand. There are six types of JRA. Treatment of juvenile arthritis depends upon the type the child has and should focus on treating the symptoms that manifest.
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Is Psoriasis Contagious?
Psoriasis is an incurable skin disease that causes reddish patches of skin topped with a thick layer of dry silvery scales. Psoriasis cannot spread and is not contagious.
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Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or PNH is a rare genetic disease in which there is an abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. Symptoms of PHN include irregular heartbeats, chest pain, abdominal pain, anemia, jaundice, seizures, and blood clots in the legs (DVTs). Treatment for PNH is directed toward the symptoms of the disease.
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Genital Warts in Men (HPV)
The HPV virus (genital warts) in men can cause health problems. Genital warts are confined primarily to the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are transmitted through sexual contact.
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Is Lupus Contagious?
Systemic lupus erythematosus in an inflammatory disease. Symptoms and signs include joint pain, fever, and rash. Though lupus is incurable, early medical intervention can help to reduce inflammation and protect the affected individual's organs.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- trastuzumab - injection, Herceptin
- Interferon: Potential COVID-19 Treatment
- rituximab (Rituxan)
- alteplase (TPA, Activase, Cathflo Activase)
- infliximab (Remicade)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
- bevacizumab - injection, Avastin
- omalizumab (Xolair)
- epoetin alfa, Epogen, Procrit
- adalimumab (Humira)
- collagenase ointment - topical, Santyl
- tocilizumab (Actemra)
- abatacept (Orencia)
- pegfilgrastim - injection, Neulasta
- Herceptin (trastuzumab)
- darbepoetin alfa - injection, Aranesp
- natalizumab - injection, Tysabri
- filgrastim (Neupogen)
- etanercept (Enbrel)
- onabotulinumtoxinA, Botox, Botox Cosmetic
- abciximab - injection, Reopro
- belimumab (Benlysta)
- rasburicase - injection, Elitek
- certolizumab (Cimzia)
- interferon beta-1a (Rebif)
- ustekinumab (Stelara)
- collagenase clostridium histolyticum, Xiaflex
- Simponi, Simponi Aria (golimumab)
- aldesleukin (Proleukin)
- becaplermin, Regranex
- anakinra (Kineret)
- infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra)
- asparaginase - injection, Elspar
- basiliximab - injection, Simulect
- palivizumab - injection, Synagis
- pegaspargase - injection, Oncaspar
- alemtuzumab (Campath)
- sargramostim (Leukine)
- peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy)
- oprelvekin - injection, Neumega
- ibritumomab tiuxetan - injection, Zevalin
- dornase alpha (Pulmozyme)
Prevention & Wellness
From 
Arthritis Resources
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
<http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm194516.htm>
FDA. "Complete List of Licensed Products and Establishments." Updated: Oct 31, 2016.
<http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/ucm133672.htm>