Are biologic medications safe during pregnancy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, and my rheumatologist wants to start me on a biologic medication. I am nervous about the idea of injections and potential side effects. How effective are these drugs compared to traditional DMARDs? What is the risk of serious infections? I am also planning to start a family soon. Are these medications safe during pregnancy? And how often will I need to see the doctor for monitoring? I want to make an informed decision about my treatment options.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You mentioned that you are suffering from psoriatic arthritis. Biologics are typically more targeted treatments for psoriatic arthritis compared to traditional DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). Many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and disease progression with biologics. Studies have shown that biologics can reduce joint pain and swelling, and improve skin symptoms more effectively for some individuals.

1. Safety: Biologics can increase the risk of serious infections, but these are relatively uncommon. Regular monitoring and prompt reporting of any signs of infection are important.

2. Safety during pregnancy: Some biologics are considered safer than others during pregnancy. Discussing your family planning with your rheumatologist is crucial, as they can guide you on the best approach. They may suggest switching medications or timing your treatment around pregnancy. Typically, certain biologics can be continued during pregnancy, but others may need to be paused.

3. Monitoring requirements: Initial monitoring is usually more frequent, especially within the first few months of starting biologics. This may involve visits every one to three months to assess response and watch for side effects. After achieving stable disease control, visits may become less frequent, potentially every three to six months.

4. Making an informed decision: Discuss your concerns about injections and side effects with your doctor, and weigh the pros and cons of different treatment options.

I hope this information helps you.

Revert in case of queries.

Regards.