A closer look at biosimilars.

Biologics are a special kind of medication used to treat certain conditions. They usually cost a lot and aren’t always available at every pharmacy or covered in every insurance plan. For these and other reasons, similar medications are being made. They are called biosimilars. 

Biosimilars aren’t exactly the same as their biologic (also known as the reference product). But, they are ‘highly similar’ to the biologic. Like biologics, biosimilars are studied carefully. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will only approve a biosimilar if there are no clinically meaningful differences in safety and efficacy between both products.

Some biosimilars may cost less than biologics. Your doctor may prescribe a biosimilar instead of a biologic. Or they may change you from a biologic to its biosimilar. Sometimes your insurance company will only cover a biosimilar. You can be confident that the biosimilar works the same and is as safe as the biologic.

Every biologic medication doesn’t have a biosimilar. But, more biosimilars are being approved by the FDA. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if an approved biosimilar is available to treat your condition. 

CVS Specialty^® can help you stay on track and manage side effects. Our goal is to help you get the best outcomes from your treatment plan. Call us at 1-800-237-2767 to speak to a pharmacist or nurse specially trained in caring for complex conditions and rare diseases.