Biosimilar drugs. A position paper from specialists and patients from Emilia Romagna
Fedaisf editorial staff
THEThe document concerns the appropriate use of biosimilar drugs in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. It was elaborated by 13 regional Rheumatology Centers and by Amrer (Association of Rheumatic Patients). In Emilia Romagna there are about 32,000 people with active exemption for rheumatic disease and over 500 pediatric cases. THE POSITION PAPER
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The Position Paper focuses on four recommendations for patient assurance: use of biosimilars in the treatment of naïve patients; maintenance of the originator in patients already on therapy, guaranteeing continuity of therapy; no to automatic substitution between originator and biosimilar by the pharmacist; safeguarding the freedom of choice of the prescribing doctor. The key concept is to reiterate respect for the principle of centrality of the prescribing physician in the choice between biological originator and corresponding biosimilar products, also in relation to the non-automatic substitutability by the pharmacist.
