Biologics have revolutionized the treatment ofrheumatoid,psoriatic以及其他类型的炎症性关节炎，但很多关于它们的误解仍然存在。风湿病学家埃里克·马特森(Eric Matteson)医学博士帮助区分事实和虚构。
What are biologics made of?
Unlike conventional drugs, which are made of chemicals,biologics are engineered proteins that come from genes. Biological processes stimulate cells from natural sources – such as microorganisms, humans or other animals – to produce these proteins, which are specifically designed to impair or block certain functions of the immune system.
What do biologics do that other medications can’t?
Instead of blocking many different cell actions, as conventional arthritis medications do, biologics target a specific action of proteins that are highly involved in the inflammation behind inflammatory arthritis.
Since biologics are made with “living” components, is there something alive in them? Is thatwhy they are stored in the fridge?
你的药里没有生命成分。制造蛋白质的过程涉及一个活细胞，但最终产品是纯化和包装的，不是活的。把它想象成一块牛排，也有蛋白质，但它们不是活的。就像你不能把牛排放在外面，否则它会变质一样，这条规则也适用于生物制品。室温或高温会分解并破坏蛋白质。
为什么我不能口服生物制剂?
Biologics must be given by shot [infusion or injection] because stomach acids break down the protein. So, much like insulin, which is also a biologic, you have to bypass the stomach because it will destroy the protein.
Theside effectssound scary. Which ones do I need to worry about most?
The most common misconception or concern I hear in my practice is that taking biologics will wipe out someone’s immune system, leading to infections, health problems and risk of death. When you take a drug that affects your immune system, you do have to keep an eye out for cancer and infections. So, before you start a biologic, you will be screened for cancer as appropriate for your age and sex, and for infections like tuberculosis and hepatitis. We also recommend everyone on these drugs gets the appropriate immunizations for their age, like flu and pneumonia shots, to reduce infection risk. But people live better and longer with these drugs than without. Major risks are associated far more with the disease and the consequences of untreated disease than these drugs. Biologics reduce the risks of premature death, increased heart disease and the need for joint surgery. Patients with uncontrolled RA are also at higher risk of infection, so controlling the arthritis can also reduce overall infection risk. On balance, you are much better off with treated disease than untreated.
Author: Jennifer Davis
Related Resources:
- Download Our Free Biologics Drug Guide
- About Biologics
- Afraid of Drug Side Effects?
- Biologics: Benefits & Risks