Biologics Biologic Medicine

Overview

Biologic medicines are treatments made from living cells or proteins rather than from simple chemicals. They are used to calm or block a specific part of the immune system or another body process. They are usually given by injection or infusion (a drip into a vein) and are prescribed and monitored by a specialist team.

Biologic medicines are used more often now for many long-term conditions, but they are still specialist treatments. Not everyone with a long-term condition needs one.

People of all ages, including children and older adults, can be prescribed biologics. They are used for some inflammatory, autoimmune (where the immune system attacks the body), allergic, and cancer conditions. Your care team decides whether one is suitable for you.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Redness, swelling, or soreness where the injection was given
• Feeling tired or having a mild headache
• Mild fever or chills
• Runny nose or sore throat
• Nausea or loose stools
• A mild rash

Symptoms in children

• Children can have the same side effects as adults, including fever, rash, and soreness at the injection site.
• Children may need extra checks for infections and for how they are growing while on treatment.
• Tell the care team about any new symptom, especially fever, rash, or breathing trouble.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may be more likely to get infections and may need extra monitoring.
• Other health conditions and other medicines can affect how safe a biologic is for you.
• Older adults may need extra help with appointments, injections, and watching for confusion or sudden weakness.

Causes

Main causes

• Biologics are used when the immune system is overactive or attacking the body, or when a specific body process needs to be calmed or blocked.
• They are also used in some cancers and severe allergic conditions.
• They are not caused by anything you did or did not do. They are chosen by a specialist for your particular health situation.

Risk factors

• Having an active infection or a history of repeated infections
• A weakened immune system or certain long-term health conditions
• Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• A previous allergic reaction to a medicine or vaccine
• Taking other medicines that affect the immune system
• Age — children and older adults may need extra checks

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have a new fever, chills, or shaking
• You have a cough that is getting worse or new shortness of breath
• You have pain or burning when passing urine
• You notice a red, warm, swollen, or painful area on the skin
• You have unusual bruising or bleeding
• You get a new rash, especially with fever

Book a routine appointment if:

• Before starting treatment, to review your health, medicines, and vaccine history
• If you miss a dose or are unsure about your schedule
• Before travel, planned surgery, dental work, or any new vaccine
• If side effects are bothering you or you feel anxious about treatment

Diagnosis

There is no single test for biologic medicine. Before you start, your specialist will confirm your diagnosis, check your general health, and make sure a biologic is safe and likely to help you.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check blood counts, liver, and kidneys
• Screening for infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV before starting
• A pregnancy test if this is relevant for you
• A review of your vaccine history
• Heart or lung tests if your team thinks they are needed

What to expect at your appointment

You will usually have blood tests and infection checks first. Your team will explain the benefits and risks, teach you how to give the medicine if needed, and arrange follow-up. You can ask questions at any time.

Treatment

Biologic medicines are usually prescribed by a specialist. They are given as an injection under the skin or into a vein in a clinic or at home after training. Your team will choose a schedule and monitor you with regular check-ups and blood tests.

Self-care at home

• Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist.
• Tell your care team about new symptoms, especially fever, cough, rash, or feeling very unwell.
• Wash your hands often and avoid close contact with people who are clearly unwell.
• Ask before travel, new vaccines, or starting any other medicine.
• Keep all monitoring appointments and blood tests.

Medical treatments

Biologic treatment is tailored to you. The medicine is given on a set schedule, and your team watches for side effects and checks whether it is helping. Other treatments may be used alongside a biologic. Never start, stop, or change a biologic without talking to your care team, because stopping suddenly can cause problems.

When is surgery considered?

Tell your biologic team and your surgeon about your medicine before any planned surgery or dental work. They will decide whether the timing needs to change and how to reduce infection risk.

Living with this condition

Keep to your treatment schedule, store your medicine as instructed, and plan refills before you run out. Carry information about your medicine for appointments, travel, and emergencies.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to keep regular sleep and daily routines.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Keep up good hygiene, especially hand washing.
• Plan ahead for travel, vaccines, and refills.
• Tell your care team if daily life or treatment feels hard to manage.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and gentle regular movement can help you feel better and support your overall health. Ask your team before starting a new intense exercise plan or if you have food-related symptoms.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Managing a long-term treatment can feel stressful, and some people feel anxious or low. This is common, and support is available. If you feel you might harm yourself or are in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a crisis support line in your country right away.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for a biologic, but you can lower some risks. Get advice on vaccines before starting, treat infections early, and keep all monitoring appointments.

Vaccines

Ask your care team which vaccines you need before starting and whether any should be avoided during treatment. Some vaccines are not recommended while on biologics, and live vaccines need special advice. Do not get any new vaccine without checking with your team first.

Screening programmes

Before starting, you will usually be screened for hidden infections. During treatment, you may need regular blood tests. Keep up with routine health checks your team advises, including cancer screening and eye checks if relevant.

Complications

If left untreated

• The health condition the biologic is meant to control may get worse.
• Infections can become serious if they are not treated early.
• Rarely, severe allergic reactions can happen.
• Long-term inflammation can damage joints, skin, gut, lungs, or eyes depending on the condition.

Long-term outlook

Many people manage biologic treatment well with regular checks. Some people need to try more than one option before finding what works. Your team will review the benefits and side effects with you and adjust the plan if needed.

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