Biologic Drugs and Small Molecules for an Elderly Patient with the Rheumatic Disease

Rheumatic diseases are common in elderly and may present differently from the younger population. Nevertheless, treatment goals must be similar in all ages. The majority of studies have shown the similar efficacy and safety profile of biological therapies in the elderly patients with rheumatic disease and in their younger counterparts. However, the rate of severe adverse events, including severe infections, can be increased in elderly persons, particularly those aged 75 years or more. One of the strategies for choosing the right anti-rheumatic biologic drug for an elderly with multiple co-morbidities, in the era of multiple biologic medicines and small molecules with similar efficacy, can be based on patient’s background and the known safety profile of the therapeutics.