The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five biologics called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis. TNF-a is a protein that is thought to trigger the body’s inflammatory response. TNF inhibitors interfere with or block that response, resulting in less inflammation. The five TNF inhibitors approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis are adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, and infliximab. IL-17 inhibitors are another type of biologic used in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Like TNF-a, IL-17 is a type of cell thought to trigger the inflammation seen in the condition. To date, two IL-17 inhibitors — ixekizumab and secukinumab — have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. If you’re planning to talk to your doctor about whether biologics might be the right treatment for you, remember to:
Be honest. Describe your symptoms accurately. If you minimize your symptoms, your doctor won’t be able to help you make the best decisions for your health.Trust yourself. As with any condition, it’s important to listen to your body if you have ankylosing spondylitis. You and your doctor can make the best choices if you tell your doctor how you’re feeling and what your concerns are.
Questions to Ask About Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Biologics may be an option if your ankylosing spondylitis symptoms are not well controlled by other medications and are affecting your quality of life. If your doctor says it’s appropriate to consider biologics for your treatment plan, it’s important for you to fully understand this class of drugs and how they work. Ask these questions during your discussion with your doctor to learn more about biologics: Being prepared with these specific questions for your doctor before your appointment can help you get the information you need about biologics for ankylosing spondylitis. Some doctors also have physician assistants or nurse practitioners who can help answer your questions. You may also want to consider taking a family member or friend to your appointment to help you remember what your doctor says. Print this list of questions and take them to your next appointment to help start the conversation with your doctor about biologics for ankylosing spondylitis. Additional reporting by Brian Dunleavy
