How Do Biologics Work?

Designed to treat autoimmune disorders, biologics are unique. Drugs genetically engineered inside living cells. If you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system is attacking your own healthy tissue, causing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.

Biologics work by targeting a specific piece of your malfunctioning immune system, trying to stop just that one part from acting out. Older drugs, which are not as focused as biologics often have more side effects that can be more difficult to manage. But, while biologics do leave more of your immune system in working order, their aim isn’t perfect and you still could be vulnerable to infections. Some serious.

That’s why you should stay healthy as possible while on a biologic. Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious food, and exercise. And be sure to practice good hygiene to keep germs away. Your doctor may suggest a biologic if your current treatment isn’t working. You could see relief within weeks of starting treatment,

but it could take as long as 3 months before you’ll know if that biologic is a good fit for you. Because each type of biologic works a bit differently on the immune system if the first doesn’t help, there may be others your doctor can try. Biologics aren’t for everyone, but if they do work for you, they can help you to live a healthier, pain-free life.