RhAPPcast: Biosimilars and The Patient Perspective

Welcome to RhAPPcast, the official voice of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP). In this special episode, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, RhAPP President, sits down with Kris, a patient who shares his firsthand experience transitioning from adalimumab (Humira) to a biosimilar after years of stability on biologic therapy.

Kris opens up about his journey with rheumatoid arthritis, from diagnosis to achieving remission with biologic treatment. He discusses his initial concerns about switching to a biosimilar, the misconceptions he encountered, and what the transition was like in the real world. He also highlights the importance of patient-provider communication and how clear guidance from his healthcare team helped make the switch smooth and successful.

Navigating insurance and pharmacy changes can be one of the biggest hurdles in biosimilar adoption. Kris shares his challenges in obtaining approval, adapting to a new injection device, and the crucial role his provider played in easing his transition.

For both patients and providers, this episode underscores the importance of education, trust, and open dialogue when making treatment changes. As biosimilars continue to expand access to life-changing therapies, Kris’s story provides valuable insight into the human side of these transitions.

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