Your Doctor Wants Change Your Biologic Medication, Now What???

Your Doctor Wants to Change Your Biologic Medication,  

Now What???

Living with lupus means navigating an unpredictable cycle of flares and remissions. On good days, you might feel like yourself and stay active; on bad days, getting out of bed can feel nearly impossible. Because your health can quickly shift from routine management to unexpected hospital stays, having a strong care team is essential.

As a lupus patient, you are likely used to intensive monitoring. Your multidisciplinary team tracks your health through regular lab work, urine tests, digital imaging, physical and occupational therapy, and frequent doctor appointments. Their primary goal is to ensure you receive the best care possible. Sometimes, a physical exam or lab result will reveal something that prompts your physician to evaluate whether a better treatment plan is available.

If you already take biologic medication, you know that side effects can be challenging. However, you don’t have to navigate them alone. By sharing how you feel, your doctor can recommend alternative options to find a biologic medication you tolerate more comfortably. Open communication is critical, and keeping your doctor informed about every side effect enables true shared decision-making, ensuring you choose the best path forward together.

Ultimately, when your rheumatologist suggests changing your biologic medication, asking questions is your best tool. It helps you fully understand the reasons behind the change so you can feel confident and in control of your care plan.

First and foremost, you want to understand why the change is needed. Ask your physician the following:

1. Which specific lab results, scans, symptoms, or side effects are concerning you? 
2. What goal are you hoping to achieve by switching medications? 

It is important you understand details about the new medication. The following questions can be used as a guide: 

1. Why are you recommending this specific medication compared to other treatment options? 
2. How is this medication different from the one I am currently on? 
3. Do I need to stop my current medication before switching to the new one? 
4. How long will it take before I notice an improvement in my symptoms? 
5. How is the new medication administered? 

In addition, you should have a clear understanding of any side effects and how the new medication will be monitored. Ask:

1. What new side effects or risks should I be aware of? How can we manage them? 
2. Are there any routine lab tests I will need while taking the new biologic medication?
3. Do I need any new vaccines? 
4. Will this medication interfere with any of my other prescriptions or supplements? 

Lastly, if you do not want to change your medication, you and your physician should have a conversation about the outcome of this decision, along with any alternatives there may be. As an example, you decide to change medications, but opt for a non-biologic medication like Azathioprine as an example. Other questions you may want to ask include: 

1. What is the cost of this medication? Are there any patient assistance programs or a prior authorization process? 
2. What side effects should I notify you about? 

Changing to a new biologic can be scary, but working with your physician so you are prepared is the key to success. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to handle any of the challenges associated with changing medications. Be sure to keep the line of communication open with your physician and visit resources like lupusgreaterohio.org or call 1 (888) NO-LUPUS for additional support.