Many patients have questions and may be reluctant to make the switch to biosimilars at first. In this episode, hosts Zoe Rothblatt and Conner Mertens talk to a few patients about their experiences starting a biosimilar. They discuss some of the hurdles they face, like overcoming hesitancy, getting insurance coverage, and setting up delivery with a specialty pharmacy.

“After having a conversation with my rheumatologist, she explained that the biosimilar that I would be taking is very, very similar to the original one, and the difference really lies more so in the branding and the naming of it as opposed to the actual efficacy of the medication,” says Lauren McClinton, who takes a biosimilar for idiopathic arthritis.

Among the highlights in this episode:

2:03 – One patient says searching for information about biosimilars online can often be confusing

3:55 – Medical providers should be aware of all prescribing options for biosimilars

4:27 – Patients can be their own advocates

5:15 – Doctors need to better explain the differences between biologics and biosimilars to patients

8:56 – What about when a biosimilar is the only choice?

9:47 – Your doctor is you ally

Contact Our Hosts:

Zoe Rothblatt, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF. zrothblatt@ghlf.org

Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF. cmertens@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments to BreakingDownBiosimilars@GHLF.org

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