OBJECTIVES:: To estimate the incidence of and identify factors associated with the switching of biological drugs in rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS:: Cohort study. Primary outcome was defined as the exchange of biological drugs. Brazilian APAC-SIA-SUS national records (2008-2014) were sourced. The ICD-10 codes M050, M051, M052, M053, M058, M060, M068, M068 and M080 containing the drugs abatacepte, adalimumab, etanercept, certolizumabe, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab and tocilizumab were included. The records were nested by the National Health Card number, for quarterly follow-up. Factors associated with the switching of biologicals were evaluated by Cox regression, which enabled the calculation of the hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for sex and age. All calculations were performed in STATA (14.2) and the confidence interval was set at 95% (95% CI). RESULTS:: CONCLUSIONS:: Approximately one in every five patients with rheumatoid arthritis switches biologicals. This switch is seen more among women, young people and in those presenting lung disease.