Paying for Biologics to Treat RA: Drug Assistance Programs

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Arthritis Health Center

Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Role of Biologics

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On a Biologic for RA? Here's what you need to know.
Is It Time for a Biologic? How to tell if a biologic drug may help your RA.
When a Biologic Fails Find out what to do if your first biologic fails.
How Biologics Work What is a biologic? How do these medications stop progression of RA?
Biologics at a Glance Injection or infusion? Use this medication chart to see how biologics are given.
Choosing the Right Biologic for You The differences between biologics, and talking to your doctor about the options.
Risks and Benefits of Biologics How to evaluate the benefits of biologics with the risk of side effects.
Biologic Costs and Insurance How to get your medication covered if your doctor recommends a biologic.
All Your RA Treatment Options Your choice in medications, and why early treatment counts.
Combination Therapy Your questions answered about taking more than one RA drug.
Complications of RA Beware of possible complications in your heart, lungs, bones, and eyes.
6 Mistakes to Avoid When You Have RA From not seeing a rheumatologist to not getting to right medication, what to avoid.
Making Physical Therapy Work for You 5 steps to successful PT for RA.
4 Foods That Fight Inflammation There's no "RA diet," but these foods may help lower inflammation.
Tips for Traveling With RA On the road? Here's how to keep joint pain at bay.
RA and Exercise: What's the Benefit? Find out how exercise helps relieve joint pain and stiffness.
How Stress Can Make RA Worse It's a vicious cycle: RA causes stress, and stress exacerbates RA symptoms.
Vitamins and Minerals for RA Are you getting enough of what your body needs?

Paying for Biologics to Treat RA: Where to Find Help

(continued)

Efforts to Make Biologics More Affordable

Part of the Healthcare Reform Act targeted the creation of cheaper versions of biologic drugs (often called "follow-on biologics"). After a company has produced a biologic drug under patent for 12 years, other companies can produce similar versions of that drug, known as "biosimilar" drugs. But the process involved in producing a biosimilar drug is more complicated than it is to produce a traditional generic drug.

Biologic drugs are made from proteins taken from living cells. It's harder to prove that a biosimilar drug is as safe and effective as the original biologic. The FDA is still devising the requirements a drug will have to meet to be called "biosimilar."

Because companies may have to fund clinical studies to prove their drugs are biosimilar to the original, consumers may not save much with biosimilar drugs. It will be a while before we know how much money people might truly save with these drugs.