DISCUSSION AREAS:
When to consider the use of biologics
- First-line biologic treatment ?
- Second- or third-line therapy ?
Which agent to use as first-line biologic therapy?
- Anti-TNF%u03B1
- Anti-IL6
- Others?
How to prescribe biologics
- Pretreatment screening
- Dosage and frequency of treatment
- Monotherapy vs Combined therapy
- Regular monitoring of drug level and anti-drug antibodies?
Special situations
- Elective surgery
- Vaccinations
- Pregnancy
- Sickness/Severe infection
Treatment failure
- Loss of efficacy: role of drug level and anti-drug antibodies
- When to check drug level and anti-drug antibodies and how to interpret results
- How dosage and frequency of treatment can be adjusted
- What is the next best option if anti-TNF%u03B1 fails: switching within or between classes?
When to stop?
- How long after quiescence?