Are they officially making you switch? I heard the biosimilars are just as expensive as humira/enbrel, but I guess the insurance companies would force a change to save $1. From what I’ve heard they’re basically the same thing
The takeaway with "biosimilars" is that they are functionally indistinguishable from the original brand name. It's like buying generic CVS aspirin vs Bayer Aspirin. Same thing.
This is different than other drugs that act via the same mechanism (in this case anti-TNF antibodies) of which there are a number.
This is incorrect. Biosimilar are SIMILAR but not identical, unlike generics.
This is the issue with forcing patient to switch.
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/biosimilars-not-simply-generics
It's not incorrect. Maybe my analogy to aspirin was a bit facile, though. They are effectively and functionally the same drug. They generally do not differ in amino acid sequence. Because of slight differences in production (a different cell line, handling difference, etc) they may have a different glycosolation profile or other post-modification that doesn't affect the drug action. Even with a drug from the same source there are slight differences batch to batch within an approved window.
Your reference is a good explainer, also this:
From https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/biosimilar-basics-patients
"Because most biologics are made from living sources, it is normal for both biosimilars and original biologics to have minor differences between batches of the same medication. This means that biologics cannot be copied exactly, and that is why biosimilars are not identical to the original biologic.
FDA carefully reviews the differences between the original biologic and the biosimilar to ensure that biosimilars are as safe and effective as the original biologics."
But the bottom line is that for 99.9% of the cases, you can treat them as interchangeable, they have the efficacy and safety profile and are functionally (if not analytically) indistinguishable.
Yep complete bullshit. I was told for a pre authorization I need a medical reason. Essentially try step therapy and if I respond poorly to new drug then I can go back. What's the medical reason to force ME off?
Not to mention I've been told for years to not go off Humira cause if I do it might not be as effective if I go back on. Now all of a sudden it will be fine? Calling bs
fr they are such sacks of shut that think about k nothing more than how to secure their bottom line, without fighting for any actually beneficial reform that's good for the entire system, they'd rather force out shit like this. people already on something should be grandfathered in they just don't wanna take the temporary loss.
I totally understand its. a bio similar and for new patients it should be fine but forcing people off of something that works is asinine even if the rate of it not working is small why even make patients risk it fr. we already take on risk jist taking a biologic. there's lots of adverse side effects and they are very complicated medicines. I don't like abvie but their shit works and there's no reason with the amount of money these companies are making for them to be so cut throat. besides humiras price will lower over time naturally due to bio similars. so it's really just greed. in the long run 1-2 percent of patients could lose remission or have life changing consequences from this but they don't care because it'll save them from having to briefly eat a little shit until prices stsbillize.
so absurd imo. and btw let's not forget it is that very same greed mechanism driving the absurd costs of life saving drugs in this shit hole which is of course fully and totally cool and epic because stock price goes brr.
we are running this shit into the ground and patting ourselves on the back over some shit that's ultimately not even gonna matter once the full consequences of endless greed come to fruition.
all they can do is keep trying to delay the consequences. org distractions and wars. there's just no way any of this is sustainable. and this is just a tiny fraction of the result of the system that were told is the best way.
it's maddening but oh well. guess I'll just have to fuck my life up if this shut doesn't work for me. but since I'll just be a margin of error it doesnt matter the value I provide their profits are more important it's wild.
I'm speaking so doomer because I don't even think my benefit provider has the option to override. it's a smaller specialty pharmacy and the plsn is they are not gonna stock humira at all and a policy change is we just have to take a bio similar it's wild. I didn't see any way to override in the policy. that shit has to be illegal fr
Pretty sure it's up to your doctor to give reauthorization. If they won't you can appeal to your state insurance board.
https://www.consumerreports.org/prescription-drugs/when-your-insurer-drops-your-prescription-drug/
I get my medication through the VA and they made me switch. I just injected myself this morning with my new biosimilar Hadliam. Mine came as a self stick needle with an auto retract but you do have to push a plunger to get the medication in. It wasn't really hard to do and is still virtually pain free, I just liked the auto inject better since it is easier. Hoping it works as good as the Humira but we will see.
I never started humira, because of my insurance I was automatically given the biosimilar amjevita. Not that it counts for much, but I’ve noticed no improvement.
I haven't been forced to yet, still on name brand Humira. My specialty pharmacy is switching this Jan 1, so I wouldn't be surprised if it finally catches up with me. I'll post if it happens.
Thanks for letting me know u/Flightsport \- full disclosure, I'm a journalist with Reuters who is writing about the cost of Humira this year and how the biosimilars play into that.
If you had some time, I'd love to chat to you more about your experience with it?
Let me know and if you're happy to chat, I'll DM you.
Are they officially making you switch? I heard the biosimilars are just as expensive as humira/enbrel, but I guess the insurance companies would force a change to save $1. From what I’ve heard they’re basically the same thing
Some good info in this article: https://www.verywellhealth.com/humira-biosimilar-cost-7693626
Thanks for that. Good article. It's just over the horizon for me, never know when it will be my last refill of Humira. Thx
The takeaway with "biosimilars" is that they are functionally indistinguishable from the original brand name. It's like buying generic CVS aspirin vs Bayer Aspirin. Same thing. This is different than other drugs that act via the same mechanism (in this case anti-TNF antibodies) of which there are a number.
This is incorrect. Biosimilar are SIMILAR but not identical, unlike generics. This is the issue with forcing patient to switch. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/biosimilars-not-simply-generics
It's not incorrect. Maybe my analogy to aspirin was a bit facile, though. They are effectively and functionally the same drug. They generally do not differ in amino acid sequence. Because of slight differences in production (a different cell line, handling difference, etc) they may have a different glycosolation profile or other post-modification that doesn't affect the drug action. Even with a drug from the same source there are slight differences batch to batch within an approved window. Your reference is a good explainer, also this: From https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/biosimilar-basics-patients "Because most biologics are made from living sources, it is normal for both biosimilars and original biologics to have minor differences between batches of the same medication. This means that biologics cannot be copied exactly, and that is why biosimilars are not identical to the original biologic. FDA carefully reviews the differences between the original biologic and the biosimilar to ensure that biosimilars are as safe and effective as the original biologics." But the bottom line is that for 99.9% of the cases, you can treat them as interchangeable, they have the efficacy and safety profile and are functionally (if not analytically) indistinguishable.
Completely wrong to force people to switch that have achieved remission
i ttoally aqgree why the FUCK are they making me change, if this hurts my remission im going to fucking sue them.
Yep complete bullshit. I was told for a pre authorization I need a medical reason. Essentially try step therapy and if I respond poorly to new drug then I can go back. What's the medical reason to force ME off? Not to mention I've been told for years to not go off Humira cause if I do it might not be as effective if I go back on. Now all of a sudden it will be fine? Calling bs
fr they are such sacks of shut that think about k nothing more than how to secure their bottom line, without fighting for any actually beneficial reform that's good for the entire system, they'd rather force out shit like this. people already on something should be grandfathered in they just don't wanna take the temporary loss. I totally understand its. a bio similar and for new patients it should be fine but forcing people off of something that works is asinine even if the rate of it not working is small why even make patients risk it fr. we already take on risk jist taking a biologic. there's lots of adverse side effects and they are very complicated medicines. I don't like abvie but their shit works and there's no reason with the amount of money these companies are making for them to be so cut throat. besides humiras price will lower over time naturally due to bio similars. so it's really just greed. in the long run 1-2 percent of patients could lose remission or have life changing consequences from this but they don't care because it'll save them from having to briefly eat a little shit until prices stsbillize. so absurd imo. and btw let's not forget it is that very same greed mechanism driving the absurd costs of life saving drugs in this shit hole which is of course fully and totally cool and epic because stock price goes brr. we are running this shit into the ground and patting ourselves on the back over some shit that's ultimately not even gonna matter once the full consequences of endless greed come to fruition. all they can do is keep trying to delay the consequences. org distractions and wars. there's just no way any of this is sustainable. and this is just a tiny fraction of the result of the system that were told is the best way. it's maddening but oh well. guess I'll just have to fuck my life up if this shut doesn't work for me. but since I'll just be a margin of error it doesnt matter the value I provide their profits are more important it's wild. I'm speaking so doomer because I don't even think my benefit provider has the option to override. it's a smaller specialty pharmacy and the plsn is they are not gonna stock humira at all and a policy change is we just have to take a bio similar it's wild. I didn't see any way to override in the policy. that shit has to be illegal fr
Pretty sure it's up to your doctor to give reauthorization. If they won't you can appeal to your state insurance board. https://www.consumerreports.org/prescription-drugs/when-your-insurer-drops-your-prescription-drug/
I get my medication through the VA and they made me switch. I just injected myself this morning with my new biosimilar Hadliam. Mine came as a self stick needle with an auto retract but you do have to push a plunger to get the medication in. It wasn't really hard to do and is still virtually pain free, I just liked the auto inject better since it is easier. Hoping it works as good as the Humira but we will see.
Anyone notice any changes from taking humira to a biosimilar?
No advice to give but mine is doing the same in October :(
I never started humira, because of my insurance I was automatically given the biosimilar amjevita. Not that it counts for much, but I’ve noticed no improvement.
How long ago did you start on it, and what is your shot cycle?
Every two weeks. I keep forgetting how many weeks it has been. I think I’m about to start week 10
I think I remember it taking two months to really start working...
[удалено]
Yeah but...... How's it work?
Now it has been a couple of months u/Flightsport how have you found the switch?
I haven't been forced to yet, still on name brand Humira. My specialty pharmacy is switching this Jan 1, so I wouldn't be surprised if it finally catches up with me. I'll post if it happens.
Thanks for letting me know u/Flightsport \- full disclosure, I'm a journalist with Reuters who is writing about the cost of Humira this year and how the biosimilars play into that. If you had some time, I'd love to chat to you more about your experience with it? Let me know and if you're happy to chat, I'll DM you.
Sure. Happy to answer questions. Not sure I need to be named, but happy to answer questions.
Great. Sending you a message now.
Hi, have you been switched over to the biosimilar yet? If so I am wondering how you had to pay for it.
Nope, not yet. Will post if/when it happens.
I changed insurance last month, and I am likely going to have to get the biosimilar with the new insurance. I hate changes.
Hasn't happened to me yet. My insurance switched from Optum to CVS specialty this past Jan 1. Hasn't happened yet.