An IBD Biosimilar Switch: Check the Medicine Name and Device Plan

If a biosimilar switch letter leaves you wondering what is changing, bring it and your current packaging to your treatment team.

Check both medicine names

CUH distinguishes the active medicine name from the brand on the packaging. A brand change should retain the active medicine unless the clinical team intentionally changes treatment and discusses that with you. Have the team check both names on the proposed prescription.¹

If medicine names differ across documents, show the complete documents to your team for clarification.

Ask why this change is proposed

Gateshead explains that a different biologic brand may be suggested because of cost or a more suitable injection device. These brands are biosimilars, highly similar rather than exact copies of the original biologic. Ask your IBD team which reason applies to your proposed change.²

Keep a space for questions you still want answered. Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained before the discussion moves on.

Confirm any device training

CUH says training is provided if the administration method changes. Ask whether your device will change and how your team will arrange the instruction you need. This checklist does not provide injection technique or authorize substituting products yourself.¹

Save the review and symptom contact

Gateshead describes regular treatment review, with changes discussed by the IBD team. CUH advises speaking to the consultant, nurse or pharmacist about more serious new side effects. Report new concerns to your team; do not stop, hold or switch treatment from this article.¹²

Record whom to contact.

Bloated by Dinner includes a Test It list and visit script. Use them to collect questions and record the explanation alongside your treatment instructions. Explore the digestion playbook.