Biosimilares en Crohn y colitis ulcerosa: adalimumab e infliximab. Tu Farmacéutico #Biosimilares

New video in the "Tu Farmacéutico Informa" video-tip series focused on raising awareness about biosimilar biological medicines for the diseases in which these drugs are most commonly used. In this case, in relation to inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Video-tip given by pharmacist Jorge Vázquez, national industry representative of the General Council of Pharmaceutical Associations, produced by @medicinatelevision_tv, and with the collaboration of the Spanish Biosimilars Association @biosim-asociacionespanolad2306 First, let's review what a biosimilar is. When a biological medicine loses its patent and market exclusivity, it opens up to competition, making it possible for other laboratories to market the same active ingredient. And these are biosimilar drugs: biological drugs prescribed by your doctor that meet the same quality, safety, and efficacy standards as the original biological medicine. We now enter the central topic of the video: inflammatory bowel diseases, which, as the name suggests, are pathologies in which inflammation occurs in the walls that line the intestine. The most common symptoms, although others may occur, are diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, decreased appetite, and weight loss. It is estimated that more than 360,000 people in Spain have been diagnosed with one of these diseases. The arrival of biologic medications has represented an extraordinary advance in the treatment of these diseases, although, due to their cost-benefit ratio, their use was previously reserved for serious cases. However, with the emergence of biosimilar medications, prices have decreased and their use could be expanded to patients for whom traditional drugs do not achieve the desired results. There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease in which biosimilars are used: o Crohn's disease, in which any part of the digestive tract is affected. o Ulcerative colitis, in which only the large intestine is affected. The biosimilar medications used in these treatments are: adalimumab or infliximab The two drugs have the same mechanism of action. Basically, their function is to bind to and neutralize a protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). TNF-α is one of the causes of inflammation, so neutralizing it and preventing it from exerting its effects improves the disease. Regarding its administration method, infliximab can be administered either intravenously or subcutaneously. If administered intravenously, you will need to go to the hospital so the nurse can administer it. Adalimumab and infliximab can be used subcutaneously, and you can administer them yourself at home. There are two types of devices: syringes and prefilled pens. Remember that each device has specific application instructions, so it's important to have a healthcare professional teach you how to administer it yourself or someone close to you. Another very important aspect to keep in mind is that subcutaneous medications such as adalimumab and infliximab have special storage conditions, specifically, they must be refrigerated (between 2ºC and 8ºC). It's important that the medication not be frozen and that it be protected from light until the moment of use to maintain its properties intact. When you are going to administer it, remember that it is very important to refrigerate the medication for the time indicated in the package insert before use. When traveling, you must maintain the cold chain for your medication, which is why you need to carry a portable cooler that maintains the temperature between 2ºC and 8ºC. This ensures that the medication retains its properties and produces the desired therapeutic effect in your body. Also, as non-pharmacological measures, a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, and restriction of certain foods, such as alcohol, will help better control symptoms. Remember, always ask your trusted pharmacist, the healthcare professional who is an expert in medications. We will inform you and answer any questions you may have. Access more video tips:    / farmaceuticosconsejogeneral   And follow us on our social media: Instagram:   / farmaceuticos__   Facebook:   / consejogeneralcolegiosfarmaceuticos   Telegram: https://t.me/Farmaceuticos_es Twitter:   / farmaceuticos_   LinkedIn:   / consejo-general-de-colegios-farmaceuticos   TikTok   / farmaceuticos   #Biosimilars #VideoTips #YourPharmacistInforms