Biologics
OVERVIEW: The term biologics refers to medications that are made from cells in the lab. Typically, they are more sophisticated and expensive but are tailored to effectively change a biological response in the body. Antibodies made against TNF-alpha (a major mediator of inflammation in IBD; also known as anti-TNF antibodies) are the only biologics currently licenced for use in children but we expect others to be available soon. These block the action of TNF in the body, which helps to suppress your immune system helping to reduce the inflammation within your body. Two brands of drug are mostly used in children: Remicade and Humira
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WHEN DO WE USE IT: Biologics are used for treating both Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
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DURATION OF TREATMENT: Biologics are used long term.
NOTE: ALTHOUGH HERE WE ONLY DISCUSS INFLIXIMAB AND HUMIRA, THERE ARE OTHER BIOLOGICS TESTED IN ADULTS THAT MAY BE USED IN PEDIATRIC IBD PATIENTS IF NEEDED. YOUR DOCTOR CAN TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THEM.
Infliximab (Remicade, Renflexis, Inflectra)
HOW IT'S USED:
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Given intravenously
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Initially get 3 doses called “loading doses”: given at 0, 2 and 6 weeks
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Maintenance doses are given every 4 to 8 weeks.
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Some patients require that their doses be given earlier than 8 weeks. Some patients require infusions every 4 weeks. This is determined by recurrence of symptoms and/or therapeutic drug monitoring results (drug levels).
WHERE DO I GET MY TREATMENT: Infusions given at 2D Stollery Clinic, Infusion Clinic in Edmonton or at rural infusion centre. Speak to your IBD team if you would like to explore where your infusion can be given. ​
Adalimumab (Humira, Hulio, Amgevita)
HOW IT'S USED:
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Given as a subcutaneous injection (in the fat of the stomach or thigh)
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Loading doses: usually 160 mg (4 injections) then 2 weeks later 80 mg (2 injections)
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Maintenance dose: usually 40 mg (1 injection every 2 weeks), dose/frequency may change
WHERE DO I GET MY TREATMENT:
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First dose is given with your IBD nurse
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IBD nurse will teach patient and caregiver how to give the injection from home
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Injection teaching can also often be provided by local pharmacist
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Vedolizumab (ENTYVIO)
HOW IT'S USED:
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Given intravenously
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Initially get 3 doses called “loading doses”: given at 0, 2, 6 weeks
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Maintenance doses are given every 4 or 8 weeks
WHERE DO I GET MY TREATMENT: ​ Infusions given at 2D Stollery Clinic, Infusion Clinic in Edmonton or at rural infusion centre. Speak to your IBD team if you would like to explore where your infusion can be given​
Ustekinumab (Stelara)
HOW IT'S USED:
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Given intravenously (IV) and subcutaneously (injection)
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Initially get 2 doses called “loading doses”: given at 0 (IV) and 8 weeks (injection)
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Maintenance doses are given every 8 weeks (injections)
WHERE DO I GET MY TREATMENT: ​ Infusions given at 2D Stollery Clinic, Infusion Clinic in Edmonton or at rural infusion centre. Speak to your IBD team if you would like to explore where your infusion can be given​
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First injection dose is given with your IBD nurse
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IBD nurse will teach patient and caregiver how to give the injection from home
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Injection teaching can also often be provided by local pharmacist
SIDE EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICS
Most patients tolerate their treatments very well. Some documented side effects that have occurred (but not commonly) are :
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Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting & diarrhea
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Back pain, aching joints
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Rash, flushing, dizziness
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Headaches
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Upper respiratory tract infections
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Increased risk of infection: any infection or fever should be taken very seriously and reviewed by your doctor
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Injection site reactions
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Rare side effects
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Allergic reactions: usually becomes apparent during the infusion, but some reports have indicated that allergic reactions can occur up to 12 days later. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing and swallowing, chest pain, headaches or lightheadedness
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Nervous System: there have been rare reports of some patients developing disorders that affect the nervous system (changes in vision, weakness in arms and/or leg and numbness or tingling)
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Heart: inform your doctor if you have congestive heart failure
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Malignancy: very small increased risk of developing cancer, in particular lymphoma.
Support Programs Available to help remember when your infusion or injection is:
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http://www.abbviecare.ca password (DIN): 02258595
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Humira App available for free on ITunes
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Infliximab: IBD support App available for free on Itunes
References
2. Humira Product Monograph: July 10, 2012
3. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada: Prescriptions for Health: October 2008