Talking With Your IBD Patients about Biosimilars

If you wish to receive CME/MOC, please fill out the information below:

Question Title

* 1. First Name

Question Title

* 2. Last Name

Question Title

* 3. Email address

Question Title

* 4. Which of the following is the correct definition of “biosimilars”?

A. Biosimilars are FDA approved, biological drugs that are highly similar to an original biologic, often called the reference product, that have been shown to treat a condition in the same way.

B. Biosimilars are FDA approved, biological drugs that are identical to another biologic proven to treat a condition in the same way.

C. Biosimilars are not FDA approved, but are biological drugs that are highly similar to another biologic proven to treat a condition in the same way.

D. Biosimilars are not FDA approved, but are biological drugs that are identical to another biologic proven to treat a condition in the same way.

E. None of the above

Question Title

* 5. Patients may have a difficult time understanding the difference between a biosimilar that is “highly similar” to the reference product, versus generic versions of small molecule brand-name drugs. How would you explain this concept to your patients considering biosimilar therapies? (Please select the best answer.)

A. Explain biosimilars are similar to “generics” because they are identical to the reference product/originator biologic.

B. Explain biosimilars are not called “generics” because they are not exact copies of the reference product/originator biologic, but are highly similar.

C. Refer them to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website page for biosimilars.

D. Do not address the distinction as it will only confuse the patient.

E. None of the above

Question Title

* 6. If you have determined that your patient may be a suitable candidate for switching to a biosimilar, you may want to inform patients of the potential benefits of beginning a new therapy. What are some possible benefits of switching to a biosimilar?

A. Biosimilars can offer the same or similar benefits as a biologic at a potentially lower cost.

B. In areas where access to biologics is limited, biosimilars can increase availability of treatment options.

C. Biosimilars are more often covered by insurance companies.

D. Both A & B

E. Both A & C

F. None of the above

Question Title

* 7. What is meant by the term “interchangeability” as it relates to biosimilars?

A. Interchangeability refers to the ability to switch between a biologic/reference product and a generic drug without notifying the healthcare provider.

B. Interchangeability refers to a biosimilar that has been approved by the FDA for substitution of the reference product without notifying the healthcare provider.

C. As of 12/22/17, there are no biosimilars in the U.S. that have been approved for interchangeability.

D. Both A & C

E. Both B & C