BACKGROUND: With the advent of biosimilars into the U.S. healthcare market, knowledge deficits exist for nurses and patients regarding the regulatory approval process and key nursing considerations for each of these new medications. OBJECTIVES: This article provides essential clinical information for oncology nurses who are directly involved in patient care who will be administering U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biosimilars for oncologic use. Oncology nurses must be informed on their therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, and administration considerations. METHODS: An overview of biosimilars in the United States is given, and each FDA-approved oncology biosimilar medication is described in detail. FINDINGS: Oncology biosimilars are safe and effective treatment options that may increase patient access, decrease healthcare costs through competition, and improve the lives of patients with certain malignancies. Nurses are in key roles in patient care to foster the transition from previously patented, branded, and expensive medications to biosimilars that can achieve the same desired effects for a lower cost.
BACKGROUND: With the advent of biosimilars into the U.S. healthcare market, knowledge deficits exist for nurses and patients regarding the regulatory approval process and key nursing considerations for each of these new medications. OBJECTIVES: This article provides essential clinical information for oncology nurses who are directly involved in patient care who will be administering U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biosimilars for oncologic use. Oncology nurses must be informed on their therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, and administration considerations. METHODS: An overview of biosimilars in the United States is given, and each FDA-approved oncology biosimilar medication is described in detail. FINDINGS: Oncology biosimilars are safe and effective treatment options that may increase patient access, decrease healthcare costs through competition, and improve the lives of patients with certain malignancies. Nurses are in key roles in patient care to foster the transition from previously patented, branded, and expensive medications to biosimilars that can achieve the same desired effects for a lower cost.