Understanding Biosimilars: A Patient's Questions Answered

For people living with osteoporosis, making decisions about treatment can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are different types of medications, different ways they are given, and new treatment options continue to become available. One term patients may increasingly hear from their doctors, pharmacists, or health plans is "biosimilar." But what exactly is a biosimilar? Is it the same medication? Does it work the same way? Is it as safe? And what should a patient know if their doctor or insurance company recommends switching from a biologic medication they are already taking to a biosimilar? This episode approaches those questions from the patient perspective. Sally Fullman helps guide the conversation by asking the kinds of questions patients may have when they encounter biosimilars as part of their osteoporosis care. Answering those questions is Dr. Naga Yalla, an endocrinologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine.