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Yusimry

Used for Plaque Psoriasis, Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Uveitis

Yusimry (adalimumab or adalimumab-aqvh) is an injectable medication that treats many autoimmune conditions, including certain types of arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and plaque psoriasis. It's approved by the FDA as a biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab).

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 22, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Alternatives Latest news Prices Medicare

What is Yusimry (adalimumab)?

What is Yusimry (adalimumab) used for?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
Ulcerative colitis (UC) - adults only
Plaque psoriasis - adults only
Hidradenitis suppurativa - adults only
Uveitis - adults only

How Yusimry (adalimumab) works

Yusimry (adalimumab) is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein in your body that plays a role in inflammation. By blocking TNF, Yusimry (adalimumab) lowers inflammation to relieve symptoms in different parts of your body.

Are you looking for information on Humira (adalimumab) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsYusimry

Drug ClassBiologic DMARD

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Yusimry (adalimumab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Injection site reaction (20%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
Headache (12%)
Rash (12%)
Sinus inflammation (11%)
Accidental injury (10%)
Nausea (9%)
Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

Other Side Effects

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Back pain
Stomach pain
Hair loss
Blood in the urine
Flu-like symptoms

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious infection: fever, cough, weight loss, muscle aches, dark urine, chills, vomiting
Low blood cell counts: fever that doesn't go away, easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin
Severe allergic reaction: rash, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or mouth, hives
Heart failure: shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, irregular heartbeat, tiredness, sudden weight gain
Liver problems: feeling tired, vomiting, yellow skin or whites of the eyes, stomach pain

Source: FDA

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Body aches or pain

cough

ear congestion

gas with stomach pain

hoarseness

lightheadedness

loss of voice

lower back or side pain

muscle aches and pains

pain or tenderness around the eyes or cheekbones

rapid and sometimes shallow breathing

shivering

stomach fullness

stuffy nose

sunken eyes

thirst

trouble sleeping

warmth on the skin

wrinkled skin

Less common

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

agitation

arm, back, or jaw pain

black, tarry stools

bleeding from the gums or nose

blindness

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blood in the stool or change in bowel habits

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

broken bones

change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole

change in skin color

chest pain, tightness, or heaviness

chills

clear or bloody discharge from the nipple

cold hands and feet

confusion

constipation

cough

coughing or spitting up blood

decreased urination

decreased vision

depression

difficulty with breathing

difficulty, burning, or painful urination

dimpling of the breast skin

dizziness

drowsiness

eye pain

fainting

fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

fever

forgetfulness

frequent urge to urinate

general feeling of illness

hair loss

headache

hives, itching, skin rash

increased thirst

inverted nipple

irregular breathing

irregular pulse

irritability

light colored stools

loss of appetite

lump in the breast or under your arm

lump or swelling in the stomach

mole that leaks fluid or bleeds

muscle cramps or spasms

nausea

new mole

night sweats

no blood pressure or pulse

noisy breathing

numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or face

pain, redness, or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury present

pale skin

persistent non-healing sore on your skin

pink growth

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

raised, firm, or bright red patch

redness or swelling of the breast

seeing or hearing things that are not there

seizures

sharp back pain just below your ribs

shiny bump on your skin

slurred speech or problems with swallowing

sneezing

sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or mouth

spitting up blood

stiff neck

stomach pain

stopping of the heart

sudden high fever or low grade fever for months

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

swollen glands

swollen neck veins

tiredness

trouble breathing

trouble thinking

unconsciousness

unexplained bruising or bleeding

unpleasant breath odor

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

visual disturbances

vomiting

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

yellow skin or eyes

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

diarrhea

inability to move the arms and legs

joint or muscle pain

pinpoint red spots on the skin

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

red, scaling, or crusted skin

sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs

unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bladder pain

bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

pounding in the ears

Less common

Abnormal healing

decrease in height

difficulty with moving

difficulty with walking

dry mouth

heartburn

indigestion

loss of hearing

loss of strength or energy

menstrual changes

muscle or joint stiffness, tightness, or rigidity

muscle pain or weakness

pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, and feet

swelling or redness in the joints

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of Yusimry (adalimumab)

Pros

Works treat several autoimmune conditions

Only injected once a week or every other week

Not made with natural rubber latex, which is good for people with latex allergies

Can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed

Doesn't contain citrate, so injections might be less painful compared to other adalimumab products

Cons

Raises the risk for serious infections

Can't receive any live vaccines while using the medication

Currently only available as a prefilled syringe, and not available as an autoinjector

Injections can be uncomfortable for some people

Can worsen some medical conditions (e.g., heart failure, nerve problems)

Pharmacist tips for Yusimry (adalimumab)

Before using Yusimry (adalimumab) at home, you should receive injection training from your healthcare provider or care team. If you haven't, contact the clinic or call 1-800-483-3692. Don't try to give yourself an Yusimry (adalimumab) injection until you're comfortable doing it safely and properly.

Mark your calendar when your dose of Yusimry (adalimumab) is due to help you remember to take it. If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as possible and then continue with your regular dosing schedule.

When ready for your injection, take Yusimry (adalimumab) out of the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes. This will help reduce discomfort with the injection. Don't warm it up by putting it in the microwave or hot water because this could damage the medication.

Keep unused Yusimry (adalimumab) in the refrigerator. But you can keep Yusimry (adalimumab) at room temperature for up to 14 days. Just make sure to throw it away after 14 days because it might not work as well.

Throw away used needles and syringes in a sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries. Check your local laws and guidelines for how to dispose of your container once it's almost full.

Frequently asked questions about Yusimry (adalimumab)

Is Yusimry (adalimumab) the same as Humira (adalimumab)?

Yusimry (adalimumab) is a biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab). This means that it works the same way as Humira (adalimumab). Biosimilars are kind of like generics, but they aren't exactly the same. Both medications treat similar autoimmune conditions, but Yusimry (adalimumab) isn't FDA approved to treat all age groups within a condition that Humira (adalimumab) is. Only Humira (adalimumab) is FDA approved to treat lumps under the skin (hidradenitis suppurativa) and uveitis (inflammation in the middle layer of the eye) in children and adults, while Yusimry (adalimumab) is approved to treat adults only for that condition.

How well does Yusimry (adalimumab) work for plaque psoriasis?

In clinical studies with Humira (adalimumab), a medication very similar to Yusimry (adalimumab), 71% of people taking it saw at least a 75% improvement in their psoriasis symptoms after 16 weeks of treatment. This was compared to 7% of people who didn't take the medication. Yusimry (adalimumab) has been proven in additional studies to work similarly to Humira (adalimumab) for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Can Yusimry (adalimumab) be used in children?

Yusimry (adalimumab) is FDA approved for use in children 2 years and older for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and 6 years and older for Crohn's disease (CD). But, right now it's only approved to be used in children 66 lbs and over for JIA, and 88 lbs and over for CD. Discuss with your child's healthcare provider about the best medication for your child.

Where can I inject Yusimry (adalimumab)?

Yusimry (adalimumab) is injected in the fatty area under your skin, either on the front of your thighs or your lower stomach. If you inject into your stomach, make sure the area is at least 2 inches away from your belly button. To allow your skin to heal, be sure to rotate your injection sites each time. And avoid injecting the medication into skin that's red, bruised, or broken.

Can I receive any vaccine while taking Yusimry (adalimumab)?

It's okay to receive some vaccines, but you should avoid live vaccines. This is because it's not known if they're safe or work well while you're taking Yusimry (adalimumab). Some examples of live vaccines include FluMist (nasal spray flu vaccine), YF-Vax (yellow fever vaccine), and MMR II (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine). It's recommended to bring your child up to date with their vaccines before starting Yusimry (adalimumab). Before receiving any vaccine, ask your provider or pharmacist first if it's a live vaccine, and let them know you're taking Yusimry (adalimumab).

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What are the risks and warnings for Yusimry (adalimumab)?

Yusimry (adalimumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Serious infections

Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken the immune system | Age 65 years or older | Active, long-term, or an infection that keeps coming back | Traveling to high risk areas | Having other conditions that raise the risk of infection

Yusimry (adalimumab) can raise your risk of serious or life-threatening infections. Your risk might be higher if you're 65 years or older, taking other medications that can weaken the immune system (e.g., methotrexate, Orencia (abatacept), Kineret (anakinra), corticosteroids), and or have other health conditions. Talk with your provider about your past medical history before starting Yusimry (adalimumab). Especially let them know if you've ever had tuberculosis or hepatitis B. They'll review your risk before starting the medication. If you develop an infection while taking Yusimry (adalimumab), you might have to stop the medication in order to give your immune system a chance to fight the infection.

Cancers

Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken the immune system | History of cancer | People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a history of smoking

In clinical trials, more cancers were observed in people taking a medication similar to Yusimry (adalimumab) when compared to people not them. Cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, and skin cancers were the most commonly reported types in people who used that medication. Your provider will evaluate your risk before starting Yusimry (adalimumab) and monitor you while you're taking it. Discuss any concerns you have with your provider.

Severe allergic reactions

Although rare, Yusimry (adalimumab) can cause life-threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you experience hives, rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling in your face or throat, get medical help right away.

Nervous system effects

Risk factors: Currently have or recently developed a nervous system condition

Rarely, Yusimry (adalimumab) can cause you to develop conditions that affect your nervous system, like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Let your provider know if you currently have nerve problems. They'll want to monitor you closely while you're taking Yusimry (adalimumab), since it can make these problems worse. If you notice numbness or tingling, weakness in your arms or legs, vision problems, or dizziness, call your provider.

Low blood cell counts

There have been reports of people having low blood cells while taking medications like Yusimry (adalimumab). Having low blood cells can affect your body's ability to fight infections and raise your risk for bleeding. Contact your provider if you develop a fever that doesn't go away, easy bruising, pale skin, or bleeding.

Heart failure

People taking medications like Yusimry (adalimumab) have had new or worsening cases of heart failure. If you currently have heart failure, your provider can help you decide if Yusimry (adalimumab) is right for you. Let your provider know if you start to have shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, irregular heartbeat, or tiredness or weakness, as these can be signs of heart failure.

Lupus-like syndrome

Rarely, Yusimry (adalimumab) can cause a condition called lupus-like syndrome. Call your provider if you experience easy bruising or bleeding, a rash, or feel unusually tired.

Yusimry (adalimumab) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Yusimry (adalimumab)

Adults

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: The typical starting dose is 40 mg injected under the skin every other week.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week starting Day 29.
Plaque psoriasis and uveitis: The typical dose is 80 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 40 mg every other week starting 1 week after the first dose.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every week OR 80 mg every other week starting Day 29.

Children

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Crohn's disease: The dose will be based on your child's body weight. Typically it will be injected under the skin once every other week.

Interactions between Yusimry (adalimumab) and other drugs

Yusimry (adalimumab) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Yusimry (adalimumab). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.