Cyltezo (Adalimumab-Adbm) for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people 12 years of age and older.

How Cyltezo Works and How It’s Taken

Cyltezo works by blocking a protein in the body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF plays a role in causing inflammation. By reducing inflammation, Cyltezo may help control moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The exact way Cyltezo works is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Cyltezo when someone has moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa and is age 12 or older. The medication is given as an injection under the skin. Treatment starts with higher doses at the beginning, followed by regular doses every week or every other week based on body weight. After proper training, people or caregivers can give the injections at home.

Cyltezo Side Effects

In clinical studies of Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm) for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people ages 12 years and older, the most common side effect was:

Injection site reactions — Such as discoloration, itching, bleeding, pain, or swelling where you inject

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Cyltezo can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

Serious infections — Because Cyltezo affects the immune system, it can make it harder to fight infections, including tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, and other bacterial, viral, or opportunistic infections.
Cancer — These include lymphoma, other cancers and, rarely, an aggressive lymphoma called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma.
Severe allergic reactions — These include anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can cause swelling and trouble breathing.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation — The virus can become active again in people who carry it.
Nervous system problems — These include demyelinating disorders, which affect the protective covering of nerves, such as multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Serious blood problems — These include pancytopenia or aplastic anemia, which can cause easy bruising, bleeding, or persistent fever.
Heart failure — New or worsening congestive heart failure may occur.
Autoimmune reactions — Lupuslike syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis, where the immune system attacks the body, can arise.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

How To Save on Cyltezo

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Cyltezo, offers CareConnect4Me. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 copay.

CareConnect4Me also offers help with insurance questions, support during treatment, and injection training with a clinical educator, either in person or virtually, to teach you how to give the injections. To learn more, visit CareConnect4Me, or call 833-295-8396.

What To Know Before Taking Cyltezo

Before starting Cyltezo, your doctor will check you for active tuberculosis (TB), hidden (latent) TB, and may also test for hepatitis B (a virus that affects the liver).

People taking Cyltezo can get most vaccines, but they should not get live vaccines. If possible, children and teens should be up to date on all vaccines before starting treatment.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab-adbm or any ingredients in Cyltezo.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Also tell your doctor if you have an infection, have had infections in the past, plan to travel to places where certain fungal infections are common, or have had cancer or nervous system problems.

Cyltezo is also FDA approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic plaque psoriasis, and noninfectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then go back to your regular schedule.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Cyltezo, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Cyltezo for hidradenitis suppurativa?
In clinical studies, adalimumab, the reference product for Cyltezo, was studied in people with hidradenitis suppurativa. The safety profile in people with hidradenitis suppurativa was consistent with the known safety profile of adalimumab. In two studies, about 22 out of 100 people who stopped treatment after the main study period experienced a flare (worsening) of their condition.

These results suggest that staying on treatment may help keep symptoms under control for some people.

How often is Cyltezo taken for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Cyltezo is first given as higher starting doses. This includes 160 milligrams on day 1. This dose may be given in one day or split over two days.

After this, 80 milligrams are given on day 15. Starting on day 29, Cyltezo is taken regularly as either 40 milligrams every week or 80 milligrams every other week.

For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the dose is based on body weight and follows the recommended schedule.

What tests or monitoring are needed with Cyltezo for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Before starting Cyltezo, your doctor will check you for active tuberculosis (TB) and hidden (latent) TB. Your doctor may also check whether you have had hepatitis B in the past, because this virus can become active again during treatment.

During treatment, your doctor will monitor you for signs of infection and other side effects.