Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA

Clinicians and a pharmacist discuss how they are managing access and assistance with copay assistance program in their practices.

Copay Assistance Programs for Adalimumab Biosimilars

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Jamie T. Brogan, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC; Kostas Botsoglou, MD; Jordan Axelrad, MD, MPH; Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA; and Peter Lio, MD.

The conversation delves into the experience with copay assistance programs for biosimilars, highlighting the need for effective patient support to ensure broad uptake and continued adherence. Participants note the familiarity with existing programs for originator drugs and stress the importance of replicating similar support systems for biosimilars to maintain patient confidence.

Concerns arise regarding gaps in education and communication from biosimilar manufacturers, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive support programs and clear communication channels. Patient access to biosimilars is seen as crucial, with biosimilar adoption programs needing to address various factors such as coverage, support systems, and pharmacoeconomic considerations.

The discussion underscores the significance of accessible and efficient support systems, both for insured and uninsured patients, to facilitate biosimilar adoption. Additionally, effective communication among healthcare providers, specialty pharmacists, and patients is highlighted as essential for navigating access to these programs and ensuring optimal patient care.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.

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Healthcare providers in inflammatory diseases talk about the role they have on encouraging adalimumab biosimilar use in clinical practice.

The Role of Health Care Providers on Encouraging Adalimumab Biosimilar Use

The discussion centers on how healthcare professionals can promote the use of adalimumab biosimilars and enhance patient care. The consensus is that biosimilars offer comparable efficacy and safety to the originator drug, with improved accessibility for patients. Encouragingly, dermatologists, among others, are being urged to consider these options for their patients.

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of patient education and cost savings as key factors in promoting biosimilar adoption. Educating both providers and patients about biosimilars, including their regulatory approval process and safety profile, is essential for widespread acceptance. Financial considerations, such as copay savings, also play a significant role in patient decision-making.

Overall, the aim is to assure patients of the efficacy and safety of biosimilars and to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge needed to support their use effectively.

Rheumatology, dermatology and gastrointestinal disease share their clinical experience on initiating or switching their patients on adalimumab biosimilars.

Clinical Experience With Initiating Adalimumab Biosimilars

The discussion revolves around experiences initiating patients on biosimilars. For bionaive patients, the process is generally smooth, often involving in-office injections to familiarize patients with administration techniques. However, stable patients may express hesitancy, primarily due to concerns about cost. Educating patients about copay programs and assisting them in enrolling in financial assistance programs can alleviate these concerns.

Transitioning patients to biosimilars can be challenging, especially concerning logistical issues like insurance coverage and medication delivery. Clear communication and proactive enrollment in support programs are essential to prevent treatment interruptions.

Patient education is crucial to address concerns and dispel misconceptions, particularly regarding the nocebo effect. Consistency in messaging across healthcare staff is emphasized to build patient confidence.

Practical strategies for patient education include using lay language, keeping explanations concise, and repeating key information to reinforce understanding. Healthcare professionals also play a vital role in promoting biosimilar use and improving patient care through ongoing education and support.

Specialists in rheumatology, dermatology and gastrointestinal disease share their clinical experience on initiating or switching their patients on adalimumab biosimilars.

Rheumatology, dermatology and gastrointestinal disease discuss the evidence on efficacy and safety on switching patient to an adalimumab biosimilar.

Switching From Adalimumab to a Biosimilar

An expert discusses the safe transition of patients from a reference product to a biosimilar. He emphasizes that although biosimilars may not be identical, they are sufficiently similar in every parameter. The primary concern during transition is ensuring coverage, as issues with insurance approval can disrupt medication supply. Preparing samples and ensuring insurance approval beforehand can prevent such interruptions.

Proactive patient education is crucial, as the speaker’s practice informed stable patients in advance about potential manufacturer switches. This preemptive communication helped patients anticipate changes and maintain confidence in the effectiveness and safety of the new product.

Another physician emphasizes the importance of patient education, particularly regarding the "nocebo effect" associated with biosimilars, which can lead to unnecessary treatment withdrawal. Educating patients about potential logistical challenges and reassuring them about product safety is essential.

Consistent education across all healthcare staff is emphasized to build patient confidence and prevent misinformation. Patient concerns about efficacy and safety can be addressed by reviewing clinical data and reassuring them of the equivalence of biosimilars to reference products.

Logistical challenges, such as ensuring timely medication delivery, are highlighted as critical for patient safety, as interruptions in treatment could lead to loss of disease control. Bridging programs and support services can help mitigate these logistical concerns and ensure continuity of care during transitions.

Specialists in rheumatology, dermatology and gastrointestinal disease discuss the evidence on efficacy and safety on switching patient to an adalimumab biosimilar.

Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA

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