Can Biologics...? Common Patient Questions Answered
Pharmacist-reviewed answers to the most searched biologic questions — safety, interactions, storage, and more.
Biologics can cause certain side effects (including small increased cancer risk with some agents) but are carefully regulated by the FDA and monitored by prescribers. Most patients tolerate biologics well long-term. Call our pharmacists at +1 929 628 4081 with any specific concerns.
Top Questions: Can Biologics...?
Can biologic drugs cause cancer?
Biologics, particularly TNF inhibitors, carry a small increased risk of certain lymphomas. However, uncontrolled autoimmune inflammation itself is also a cancer risk factor. The FDA-required black box warning reflects this risk, and your prescriber weighs it carefully before prescribing.
Can biologics cause weight gain?
Most biologics do not directly cause weight gain. However, when a biologic effectively controls inflammation, patients often become more active, which can affect body composition. Some patients gain weight as their overall health improves.
Can biologics cause UTI?
Some biologics, particularly JAK inhibitors like Xeljanz and Rinvoq, are associated with a slightly increased risk of urinary tract infections. Report any symptoms to your prescriber promptly.
Can you take more than one biologic at a time?
Generally no. Combining two biologics significantly increases the risk of serious infections and is not standard medical practice. Your prescriber may switch biologics if one isn't effective, but rarely combines them.
Can I drink alcohol on biologics?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally not contraindicated with most biologics. However, alcohol can affect your immune system and liver. Discuss your specific biologic and alcohol use with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Can biologics cause cancer?
The risk of cancer with biologics is small and context-dependent. TNF inhibitors carry a black box warning for lymphoma risk. However, many autoimmune diseases themselves increase cancer risk, and biologics that control disease may ultimately reduce some cancer risks.
Can biologics be refrigerated twice?
Biologics should not be repeatedly brought to room temperature and re-refrigerated. Most manufacturers allow one excursion to room temperature for travel. Contact BiologicHealthPlus pharmacists for specific guidance on your medication.
Can biologics expire?
Yes. All biologics have expiration dates printed on the packaging. Never use an expired biologic. Contact BiologicHealthPlus if your medication expires before you can use it — we can assist with replacement.
Can biologics be frozen?
No. Freezing a biologic damages the protein structure and renders it ineffective. If your medication freezes accidentally, do not use it. Call BiologicHealthPlus at +1 929 628 4081 immediately for a replacement.
Can biologics be mailed?
Yes. Licensed specialty pharmacies like BiologicHealthPlus mail biologics using validated cold-chain packaging that maintains 36–46°F during transit. This is the standard and FDA-recognized method for biologic dispensing nationwide.
Can biologics stop working?
Yes. Some patients develop antibodies against their biologic over time (immunogenicity), reducing its effectiveness. This is called secondary loss of response. Your prescriber may add methotrexate, increase dosing, or switch to a different biologic.
Can biologics be taken while pregnant?
Some biologics are considered relatively safe during pregnancy (e.g., certolizumab pegol/Cimzia does not cross the placenta significantly). Others carry risks. Always discuss pregnancy plans with your prescriber and pharmacist before making any changes.
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Biologics, particularly TNF inhibitors, carry a small increased risk of certain lymphomas. However, uncontrolled autoimmune inflammation itself is also a cancer risk factor. The FDA-required black box warning reflects this risk, and your prescriber weighs it carefully before prescribing.
Most biologics do not directly cause weight gain. However, when a biologic effectively controls inflammation, patients often become more active, which can affect body composition. Some patients gain weight as their overall health improves.
Some biologics, particularly JAK inhibitors like Xeljanz and Rinvoq, are associated with a slightly increased risk of urinary tract infections. Report any symptoms to your prescriber promptly.
Generally no. Combining two biologics significantly increases the risk of serious infections and is not standard medical practice. Your prescriber may switch biologics if one isn't effective, but rarely combines them.
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally not contraindicated with most biologics. However, alcohol can affect your immune system and liver. Discuss your specific biologic and alcohol use with your pharmacist or prescriber.
The risk of cancer with biologics is small and context-dependent. TNF inhibitors carry a black box warning for lymphoma risk. However, many autoimmune diseases themselves increase cancer risk, and biologics that control disease may ultimately reduce some cancer risks.
Biologics should not be repeatedly brought to room temperature and re-refrigerated. Most manufacturers allow one excursion to room temperature for travel. Contact BiologicHealthPlus pharmacists for specific guidance on your medication.
Yes. All biologics have expiration dates printed on the packaging. Never use an expired biologic. Contact BiologicHealthPlus if your medication expires before you can use it — we can assist with replacement.
No. Freezing a biologic damages the protein structure and renders it ineffective. If your medication freezes accidentally, do not use it. Call BiologicHealthPlus at +1 929 628 4081 immediately for a replacement.
Yes. Licensed specialty pharmacies like BiologicHealthPlus mail biologics using validated cold-chain packaging that maintains 36–46°F during transit. This is the standard and FDA-recognized method for biologic dispensing nationwide.
Yes. Some patients develop antibodies against their biologic over time (immunogenicity), reducing its effectiveness. This is called secondary loss of response. Your prescriber may add methotrexate, increase dosing, or switch to a different biologic.
Some biologics are considered relatively safe during pregnancy (e.g., certolizumab pegol/Cimzia does not cross the placenta significantly). Others carry risks. Always discuss pregnancy plans with your prescriber and pharmacist before making any changes.