Biosimilar Medicines
This patient toolkit has been developed by ecancer in collaboration with the European Cancer Patient Coalition to provide patients with a comprehensive resource on biosimilar medicines. Six modules provide key information and practical advice to support you in making informed decisions for your treatment.
This e-learning resource is supported through an unrestricted education grant from Pfizer.
1. What is a biosimilar medicine?
Learn what a biosimilar medicine is, distinguish the terms ‘generic medicine’, ‘biological medicine’ and ‘biosimilar medicine’ and understand what the nocebo effect is and how to prevent it.
watch
2. What is the evidence that biosimilars are effective medicines?
Understand the history of biosimilars as well as the benefits of biosimilars. Learn what is meant by ‘totality of evidence’, ‘extrapolation of indications’ and why these terms are important.
watch
3. How are biosimilars approved in Europe and who decides on the availability?
Learn who the EMA are, how biosimilars are approved for use and monitored for safety as well access to further information on currently approved biosimilar medicines.
watch
4. What impact do biosimilars have on treatment decisions?
Understand the role of the clinician and where reliable information about biosimilars comes from as well as the reasons why a biosimilar drug may be chosen over a biologic drug.
watch
5. What’s my role as a patient in the decision-making process?
Understand your role in the decision-making process and know how to talk confidently with your doctor about biosimilars.
watch
6. If I am already being treated, should I switch to a biosimilar?
Learn about the terms ‘switching’ and ‘interchangeability’ and understand the process of switching to a biosimilar as well as the ethical considerations around switching.
watch