Idyllic Updates

What diseases do biologic medicines treat?

The most common forms of autoimmune diseases are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Many biologics including Remicade, Rixtuxan, Actemra and Orencia are indicated to treat moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, and all of these medications with the exception of Orencia, Rituxan, and Actemra are indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe Psoriatic Arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylosis is a less common inflammatory arthritis for which Remicade, Humira, Enbrel, and Simponi are indicated. Remicade, Humira and Cimzia are also indicated to treat inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Gout is a different kind of by the deposition of needle shaped crystals in both small and large joints. This disease affects millions of Americans, and it can be extremely painful and debilitating. Many people will respond to oral medications for gout, but in cases of severe disease or allergy to oral medications, Krystexxa is a new biologic option.

A recent addition to the available is the first biologic medication approved for systemic lupus erythematosus, and the first medication approved for the disease in more than thirty years! This is an exciting new option for lupus patients not clinically controlled on oral medications.

Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative neurologic disorder, for which there is no known cure. There are medical options for treatment which include Tysabri and Privgen, both of which can significantly decrease symptoms in some patients.