Remicade (inflixamab). Anyone switch to bio similar?

[tryingtobebetterallthetime]

People with IBD (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) where I live are being required to switch to a biosimilar. Biosimilars are not the same as generic versions. They are not identical.

I am on Entyvio for ulcerative colitis. as far as I can tell there is no biosimilar for Entyvio, but I am sure it is just a matter of time.

The reason for the switch is cost saving. Have you switched? Did it go ok? It is a bit scary to me as I am in my first really good remission in literally decades on the Entyvio and going backwards would be devastating.

I had to switch to Remsima from Remicade several months ago.

I was a bit worried when I was told, but I haven't noticed any difference.

Good luck :-)

It's vedolizumab. My dad is on it with excellent effects. It's his first biologic but it's completely tamed his crohns. Good luck.

Ah. Reread that. Are you being changed completely or to the generic?

I was swapped from infliximab to the biosimilar my remission has continued 6 years and counting.😀

Entyvio was only approved a few years ago, which means it will be patent protected for years to come. Depends when original patent was taking out, but you can assume 15 years or so from launch...which would take it to about 2030 before there could be any biosimilars. Infliximab was first approved about 20 years ago, hence why there are biosimilars becoming available now. For those on infliximab, you might be interested to know that a subcutaneous biosimilar of it (rather than IV one) is expected to be approved in the next few months.

That's interesting I currently have a 45 minute bus journey to my local day hospital so it would give me some time back!