what are biologics

[cowpat]

[helixhelix]

You can download a useful booklet from the NRAS website, called Biologics - the story so far. But in short they are a different type of treatment that targets your immune system slightly differently from the more common disease modifiers like methotrexate. There are a number of different biologics, but generally they are medicines that are created from living cells so they have to be injected as otherwise they don't work as your stomach would digest them. They do seem to work brilliantly for lots of people, but are very expensive so not as widely available. They have fewer side effects, except that the risk of infection is slightly higher. Hope this helps. Polly

[cowpat in reply to helixhelix]

l am very grateful for any info for this horrible disease..l will get the booklet..again...thanks.

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi cowpat

Just to re-iterate what helixhelix has said, you can download or order our biologics booklet here:

nras.org.uk/help_for_you/pu...

For a more summarised explanation, there is a section on biologic drugs on the following NHS page:

nhs.uk/Conditions/Rheumatoi...

Kind regards

Victoria

(NRAS Helpline)

[cowpat]

thanks Victoria..much appreciated