Biologics are a type of medication derived or synthesized from living biological organisms. They come in a wide variety of types and can help relieve arthritis symptoms. Learn more about the benefits and types of biologics for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Getting Started. Biologic drugs are genetically engineered proteins that target the parts of the immune system that promote inflammatory processes. They act like natural proteins in your immune system and are considered aggressive treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They are often prescribed to people with moderate to severe RA who have not responded well to other treatments.
Examples of biologic drugs include Baricitinib (Olumiant), Tofacitinib (Xeljanz), and Upadacitinib (Rinvoq). These medicines are used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Biologics work by targeting specific parts of the inflammatory process. Each biologic drug targets a different molecule. RA medications such as DMARDs work by stopping or reducing inflammation. DMARDs that treat RA include Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), Arava (leflunomide), and Otrexup (methotrexate).
Biologics are powerful drugs that may slow or stop inflammation that can damage joints and organs in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Biologics are a subset of a class of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Nonbiologic or conventional DMARDs such as methotrexate are drugs composed of small molecules. Learn more about biologic drugs for arthritis.
Biological response modifiers are a new class of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These modern biologics have greatly improved treatment for many people with RA. Unlike older disease-modifying drugs, biologics target specific components of the immune system.
The advent of a new class of drugs known as biologics has revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These drugs, which include Cimzia, Enbrel, Humira, Kineret, Orencia, Remicade, and others, have changed the landscape of RA treatment.
