Looking after yourself on biologics and biosimilar medication for dermatology patients
You will be provided with this information if you are currently on a medication called biologics or biosimilar.
What are biologics?
Biologics are injectable medicines that target specific pathways of the immune system. They are complex medicines made or extracted from living cells.
A biosimilar medicine is very similar to a biologic and is of the same quality, safety, and effectiveness.
What to do if I feel unwell with an infection?
Biologics affect the immune system so you might not be able to fight off infections as well.
Ideally you should not meet people with an infection such as a diarrhoea/vomiting bug.
If you have a serious infection, do not take your medication. You can restart your medication once the infection has got better.
You can continue your medication if you have a mild infection such as a cold, thrush, or tooth abscess.
Tuberculosis (TB) infections
There is a slight risk of reactivating TB with these medications. You will have been screened prior to starting your medication. Please inform a doctor/nurse if you develop a productive cough, severe night sweats, weight loss, or anorexia.
Other complications/side effects:
- Blood problems are rare, however, your doctor/nurse may advise having a blood test performed.
- There is a slight increased risk of skin cancer with these medications. Please be sensible in the sun, avoid burning, and keep a regular check. If you have any skin changes such as bleeding or changing moles, please speak to your doctor/nurse.
- Speak to a doctor or nurse if you have an inflammatory bowel condition including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, as some of these medications can make your symptoms worse.
- Always report new or worsening stomach pain or diarrhoea.
- There are extremely rare cases of lung problems. Report any shortness of breath which does not get better.
- Some of these medications may, very rarely affect the sheath protecting the nerves, symptoms may include numbness, tingling, weakness in muscles, visual or continence problems, please speak to your doctor/nurse if concerned.
- The medications for eczema can cause eye problems. Follow the advice given by your doctor/nurse on using eye treatments, report any worsening eye issues, seek urgent advice for sudden vision or significant eye pain that does not settle.
- Report any changes to your health, such as if you become pregnant.
- Keep up to date with your cancer screening invitations such as smear tests and bowel cancer screening.
- Report any swollen glands in neck, armpit, or groins that do not resolve.
Vaccines
Vaccines are recommended before you start, or while taking biologics.
Live vaccines if needed should be given four weeks before starting the medication.
We recommend you keep up to date with your flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccinations.
It is unsafe to have live vaccines while on your medication. Always check before you have a vaccine to make sure it is NON LIVE- INACTIVATED.
Surgery
It’s important to stop your medication prior to surgery if possible. In an emergency please let the surgeon know you are taking this medication.
Travel
If you are traveling with your medication, your drug should be carried in your hand luggage in a cool pack. It needs to stay constantly cool until you can put it into a fridge.
Pregnancy
If you are male or female and planning to have children, please discuss this with your doctor or nurse.
Pregnancy should be avoided while on biologics. If you do become pregnant we will refer you to an obstetrician.
Babies born MUST NOT have any live vaccines for first six months of life.
Flare of skin condition
Please contact your nurse or doctor if you have noticed a 50% deterioration and
your cream/ointments are not working.
Contact details
Email: Dermatology.BiologicsMedication@mbht.nhs.uk.
We will reply to messages once a week. For urgent queries contact your GP.
Dermatology secretaries
telephone: 01524 583165