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Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can come with many challenges — including the high cost of medications. Biologic drugs, which are often prescribed to manage moderate to severe HS, can be expensive, even with insurance. If your insurance coverage changes or the cost of your treatment increases, you may find it harder to afford the medication that works for you.
If you’re struggling with the cost of biologics, biosimilars may be a more affordable option. As one myHSteam member said, “Humira is working very well. Unfortunately, the insurance will no longer cover it, so we are going to try the biosimilar.”
In this article, we’ll explain what biosimilars are and what to consider if you’re thinking about switching.
You can think of biologics and biosimilars as being somewhat like brand-name and generic medications. Generic drugs are chemically identical to their brand-name counterparts, and they usually cost less. But biologics are different from traditional medications — they’re made from living cells and are much more complex to develop and produce. That’s why exact copies of biologics — like generics — aren’t possible.
Instead, drug manufacturers create biosimilars. Biosimilars are also biologics. They’re made using the same types of living cells as the original medication, and they’re carefully tested to make sure they work the same way. The original biologic is sometimes called the “reference product” or “reference biologic.”
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an approved biosimilar must have the same characteristics as the original biologic, including:
A biosimilar may cost less than the original biologic, but the exact amount depends on your insurance plan and prescription drug coverage. Since biologics can be expensive, it may be worth asking whether switching to a biosimilar could lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Biosimilars can also be a good option for people who have never taken the reference biologic. Talk with your healthcare provider and your insurance company to learn whether a biosimilar might be a good fit for your treatment plan.
Before starting a biosimilar, there are some important facts to keep in mind.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether a biosimilar is available for the biologic you're currently taking. You can also look it up on the FDA’s biosimilar website. Just enter the name of your medication in the search box to see if any biosimilars have been approved.
Some biosimilars are designated as interchangeable by the FDA. This means that a pharmacist may be allowed to substitute the biosimilar for the brand-name biologic — possibly without consulting the prescribing provider — depending on your state’s laws.
Interchangeable biosimilars go through a more extensive approval process. Manufacturers must submit additional data proving that switching from the reference biologic to the interchangeable product won’t change how well the drug works or increase safety risks.
However, being classified as interchangeable does not mean the biosimilar is better, safer, or more effective than other biosimilars. All approved biosimilars must meet the same high standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Wondering if you’re already taking a biosimilar or interchangeable product? Check the drug name on your medication packaging.
Like biologics, biosimilars have two names:
The FDA requires biosimilar drug names to follow a specific pattern. They must use the same core drug name as the original biologic, plus a four-letter suffix unique to that product.
For example, the reference biologic Humira has the drug name adalimumab. One biosimilar for Humira is adalimumab-ryvk (sold as Simlandi).
The FDA uses a streamlined approval process for biosimilars compared to original biologics. This is because biosimilars do not need to repeat all the clinical trials already done for the reference biologic.
Instead, the manufacturer must prove that the biosimilar acts the same in the body as the reference drug. This allows biosimilars to become available more quickly — and often at a lower cost.
That said, the approval process is still rigorous and science-based. The FDA requires that every biosimilar meet the same criteria for safety, quality, and effectiveness as the original biologic.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The goal of biologic treatment is to help control the inflammation that leads to painful flares, lesions, and tunnels.
As of August 2025, there are three approved biologics for moderate to severe HS. These are:
As of August 2025, all biosimilars for HS are versions of adalimumab, with none currently approved for secukinumab or bimekizumab-bkzx. The approved biosimilars for Humira, in addition to adalimumab-ryvk, are:
If you’re wondering whether a biosimilar might be right for you, talk to your healthcare provider. They can explain the pros and cons of switching and prescribe a specific biosimilar if appropriate for your treatment plan.
Manufacturer co-pay assistance programs may help lower your out-of-pocket costs — especially if you’re taking a biologic that doesn’t have a biosimilar option. In some cases, these programs are also available for certain biosimilars.
Co-pay assistance programs (also called savings cards or co-pay cards) are usually offered directly by the drug manufacturer. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about savings options that might be available to you.
Some programs may reduce your monthly out-of-pocket costs to as low as zero dollars, depending on your insurance coverage. These programs are typically only available to people with private insurance. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you may not be eligible — but other forms of financial support may be available. These may include foundation grants, state-sponsored programs, or nonprofit support services. A social worker, a case manager, or your healthcare provider’s office staff may be able to help you find and apply for these resources.
On myHSteam, members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Have you switched to a biosimilar for HS? Let others know in the comments below.
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