Biologic drugs work on your immune system to curb joint inflammation and damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In RA, your immune system is overactive, targeting and damaging your joints.
Biologic drugs are used to treat moderate to severe RA. Your doctor might prescribe one its own, or with another type of RA drug. You take them by infusion or injection -- the method and dose, and whether you can take them at home, depend on the particular drug.
Because all biologics dampen your immune system, your doctor will carefully monitor you to make sure you don't get an infection or other serious side effects while you're taking it. You should also be up to date on all your vaccinations. With any of these drugs, tell your doctor if you're pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Actemra (tocilizumab)
How you take it: by infusion
How often you take it: monthly
Most common side effects: cold, sinus infection, headache, high blood pressure
Your doctor should:
- Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it.
- Monitor you for tuberculosis or other infection while you're taking it.
How it works: Doctors call this type of a drug a "TNF blocker" since it targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.
Cimzia (certolizumab)
How you take it: by injection
How often you take it: Usually every 2-4 weeks (your doctor will decide)
Most common side effects: flu or cold, rash, urinary tract infections
Your doctor should:
- Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it.
- Monitor you for tuberculosis or other infections while you're taking it.
How it works: Doctors call this type of a drug a "TNF blocker" since it targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.
Enbrel (etanercept)
How you take it: by injection
How often you take it: 1-2 times/week
Most common side effects: skin reactions or pain where you get the shot, sinus infections, headache.
Your doctor should:
- Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it.
- Monitor you for tuberculosis or other infection while you're taking it.
How it works: Doctors call this type of a drug a "TNF blocker" since it targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.
Humira (adalimumab)
How you take it: by injection
How often you take it: once every two weeks
Most common side effects: colds, sinus infection, headache, and rash
Your doctor should:
- Test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis before you take it.
- Monitor you for tuberculosis or other infections while you're taking it.
How it works: Doctors call this type of a drug a "TNF blocker" since it targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation.
