Once you get a biologic, do you have to take it for life?

Once a biologic has been administered, with efficacy and no side effects it is recommended to use it for life, but it should be reviewed regularly and not used if there is an infection, for example. Biologics are second-line therapeutic agents for patients who cannot be treated with first-line medications or who are not well treated with first-line medications. The main side effects are that they may increase the risk of infections, and in some cases, they may increase the potential risk of tumors. If a biologic is used and a review reveals that it is effective for the disease and there are no infections or tumors, lifelong use is recommended. In case of tuberculosis infection or suspicious tumors, etc., the use of biologics needs to be discontinued to prevent further exacerbation of the disease. Prior to the use of biologics, routine screening for tuberculosis should be conducted, except for active infection and tumors before they are suitable for use, otherwise they will not be used. The use of biologics should be under the supervision of a physician, and discontinuation of use should be done in consultation with a physician and not on one’s own.