{"id":629261,"date":"2024-08-06T15:31:06","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T19:31:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629261"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:49:04","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:49:04","slug":"avsola-vs-remicade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/avsola-vs-remicade\/","title":{"rendered":"Avsola vs. Remicade: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Avsola and <\/span>Remicade<\/span><\/a> are two biologic drugs used to treat various autoimmune inflammatory conditions, such as <\/span>rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a>, plaque psoriasis, <\/span>Crohn’s disease<\/span><\/a>, and others. They are in a group of medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF)  alpha blockers and are in the same drug class as <\/span>Humira<\/span><\/a> (adalimumab). They work by blocking the actions of TNF, a substance that causes inflammation in the body. Avsola is a biosimilar to Remicade, which means it is highly similar in terms of uses, safety, and efficacy. Continue reading to learn more about Avsola and Remicade. <\/span><\/p>\n

Avsola vs. Remicade: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Remicade, made by the pharmaceutical company Janssen Biotech, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. It is classified as both a biologic drug and a monoclonal antibody. <\/span>Biologics<\/span><\/a> are made from natural sources, like humans or animals, and are often produced using biotechnology. According to the <\/span>FDA<\/span><\/a>, most biologics are complex mixtures that cannot be easily characterized or identified. This is different from nonbiologic drugs that have a known chemical structure. <\/span><\/p>\n

Because Remicade is a biologic, it does not have a traditional generic version. Rather, Remicade is known as a reference drug, and Avsola is known as a biosimilar drug. Other approved biosimilars of Remicade include <\/span>Inflectra and Renflexis<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Amgen’s Avsola, according to a <\/span>press release<\/span><\/a>, received FDA approval as a biosimilar to Remicade in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>biosimilar<\/span><\/a> is an almost identical copy of the approved biologic drug—in this case, Remicade. <\/span>Due to the complexity of biologics, biosimilars cannot be exactly the same as their reference product, unlike traditional brand and generic drugs<\/span>. However, biosimilars are made of the same active ingredient, work the same way, and have the same mode of administration (such as infusion) and dosing as the reference product. Before a biosimilar can be approved by the FDA, it must undergo clinical trials to ensure there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety and efficacy as the reference drug. <\/span><\/p>\n

As seen in the chart below, Avsola and Remicade are TNF blockers given by <\/span>intravenous infusion<\/span><\/a> (infusion into a vein). They can be used in adults—and for certain indications, they can be used in children 6 years and older.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Avsola vs. Remicade key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAvsola<\/b><\/td>\nRemicade<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nTNF blocker<\/span><\/td>\nTNF blocker<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBiosimilar<\/span><\/td>\nBrand (also known as reference drug)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic or brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nAvsola is biosimilar to Remicade (the term biosimilar is used when discussing biologic drugs, rather than generic).<\/span><\/td>\nThe active ingredient is called infliximab. There are no generics of biologics like Remicade. Instead, there are biosimilars, which means they are highly similar to Remicade.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nInjection (intravenous infusion)<\/span><\/td>\nInjection (intravenous infusion)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nDepends on weight and condition treated<\/span><\/td>\nDepends on weight and condition treated<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children 6 years and older for pediatric Crohn’s disease or pediatric ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 6 years and older for pediatric Crohn’s disease or pediatric ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Avsola vs. Remicade: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Avsola and Remicade are FDA approved to treat the same conditions, typically after having an inadequate response to conventional therapy (standard treatment). These include adult patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (including those with fistulizing disease), moderate to severe <\/span>ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/a>, moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, <\/span>ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/a> (PSA), and severe plaque psoriasis that is extensive or disabling. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are types of <\/span>inflammatory bowel disease<\/span><\/a> (IBD).<\/span><\/p>\n

Avsola and Remicade are also FDA approved for pediatric patients ages 6 years and older with pediatric Crohn’s disease or pediatric <\/span>ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Avsola vs. Remicade conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nAvsola<\/b><\/td>\nRemicade<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Crohn’s disease (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pediatric Crohn’s disease (in patients 6 years and older)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ulcerative colitis (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pediatric ulcerative colitis (in patients 6 years and older)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rheumatoid arthritis (adults) in combination with methotrexate<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ankylosing spondylitis (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Psoriatic arthritis (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Plaque psoriasis (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Remicade better than Avsola?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because Avsola is considered highly similar to Remicade, they are considered to be essentially the same in terms of safety and efficacy. They are also FDA approved for the same indications. <\/span>Clinical studies<\/span><\/a> have determined Avsola to be highly similar to Remicade, allowing it to be approved as a biosimilar. Research performed in <\/span>various clinics<\/span><\/a> concluded that using a biosimilar, such as Avsola, is financially beneficial since biosimilars often cost much less than the reference drug and are as safe and effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only your healthcare provider can determine which medication is best for you, taking various considerations into account. Consult your healthcare provider for professional medical advice on the best treatment for your condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Avsola vs. Remicade: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Avsola and Remicade are typically billed through medical insurance or Medicare Part B as a medical cost by the location where you get the infusion, such as a healthcare provider’s office, infusion center, or hospital. In some cases, Avsola and Remicade may be filled at a specialty pharmacy. <\/span><\/p>\n

In cases where your infusions are administered along with other prescription drugs, a Medicare Part D prescription plan or Medicare Advantage plan may contribute toward the cost of these medications. For specifics, you can contact your <\/span>Medicare plan<\/span><\/a> to find out more about the cost of Avsola and Remicade. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How much does Medicare pay for Remicade infusions?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Avsola vs. Remicade cost & coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAvsola<\/b><\/td>\nRemicade<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nCoverage varies<\/span><\/td>\nCoverage varies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Avsola vs. Remicade side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the prescribing information, the most common side effects of Avsola and Remicade are infections (including upper respiratory, sinus, and throat infections), infusion reactions, headache, and abdominal pain. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a full list of side effects, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of side effects. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Avsola vs. Remicade side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAvsola<\/b><\/td>\nRemicade<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upper respiratory tract infection <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n32%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n32%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n21%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n21%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n18%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n18%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sinus infection <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n14%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n14%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stomach pain <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sore throat\/throat infection <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cough <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bronchitis <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rash <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indigestion <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fatigue <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n9%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reactions related to infusion of drug<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n20%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n20%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: <\/span>Avsola<\/span><\/a> (DailyMed), <\/span>Remicade<\/span><\/a> (DailyMed) <\/span><\/p>\n

Avsola and Remicade drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before taking Avsola or Remicade, tell your healthcare provider about all of the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. <\/span><\/p>\n

Neither Avsola nor Remicade should be combined with other biological products used to treat the same conditions. Doing so could increase the risk of serious infections and other complications. <\/span><\/p>\n

Avsola or Remicade can also interact with medicines that have a narrow therapeutic index. A narrow therapeutic index means that a drug has a small window between being safe and toxic. Examples of these drugs include Coumadin (warfarin), cyclosporine, and theophylline. <\/span><\/p>\n

People taking Avsola or Remicade should not receive live vaccines. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a full list of drug interactions, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Avsola vs. Remicade drug interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug<\/b><\/td>\nDrug class<\/b><\/td>\nInteracts with Avsola?<\/b><\/td>\nInteracts with Remicade?<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Actemra<\/span><\/a> (tocilizumab)<\/span><\/p>\n

Kineret (anakinra) <\/span><\/p>\n

Orencia<\/span><\/a> (abatacept)<\/span><\/p>\n

Rituxan (rituximab)<\/span><\/td>\n

Biologics <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coumadin, Jantoven (<\/span>warfarin<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\nBlood thinner <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cyclosporine <\/span><\/td>\nImmunosuppressant <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Theophylline<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/td>\nXanthine <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Live viral vaccines (such as the live <\/span>MMR vaccine<\/span><\/a>, live influenza nasal vaccine, live varicella vaccine) or live attenuated bacteria (such as BCG live intravesical)<\/span><\/td>\nLive viral vaccines or live attenuated bacteria <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Avsola and Remicade drug warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n

Avsola and Remicade have a <\/span>black box warning<\/span><\/a>, also called a boxed warning, which is the strongest warning required by the FDA. According to the boxed warnings:<\/span><\/p>\n