History: Your adolescent patient is being seen by a rheumatologist for their rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The patient will be placed on a biologic agent in the next month. The specialist will monitor the medications and labs and order and schedule the drugs for infusion. You are to remain on the healthcare team as the primary care provider. Whenever a patient needs routine care, they are to come to you. You need to help monitor for issues and adverse events as part of that role.
a. What antibiotic allergy must the specialist’s office be aware of?
b. Vaccines are a normal part of adolescent care. What is the implication of receiving vaccines and the impending biological treatment plan?
c. A neurological exam is part of the normal annual wellness exam for any patient. Why is it important for a teen to come for an annual exam when on biologics?
d. 4. If the patient is switched to a biosimilar medication during their treatment does anything change in what you have to monitor?