Simlandi (Adalimumab-ryvk) for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) 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 Simlandi Works and How It’s Taken

Simlandi works by blocking a protein called TNF-alpha, which plays a role in inflammation in the body. Simlandi can help lower signals that cause swelling and skin problems. By calming this inflammation, Simlandi may help control moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The exact way it works in the body is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Simlandi when someone has moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa and is age 12 or older. It is given as an injection under the skin. Treatment starts with higher doses at the beginning, followed by ongoing doses every week or every other week.

If a doctor decides it is appropriate, people or caregivers can give the injections at home after proper training.

Connect with others who understand life with hidradenitis suppurativa. Join myHSteam for free.

Simlandi Side Effects

In clinical studies of Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people 12 years of age and older, the most common side effects occurred were:

Infections (such as upper respiratory infections and sinus infections)
Injection site reactions (such as redness or skin discoloration, itching, bleeding, pain, or swelling where the shot is given)
Headache
Rash

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

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

Serious infections — Because Simlandi affects the immune system, it can make it harder to fight infections, including tuberculosis and opportunistic infections such as invasive fungal infections.
Cancer, including lymphoma and certain skin cancers — The risk of some cancers may increase during treatment.
Severe allergic reactions — These include anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can cause swelling and trouble breathing.
Hepatitis B reactivation — The hepatitis B virus can become active again in people who carry the virus.
Nervous system problems — These include rare demyelinating disorders, which affect the protective covering of nerves, such as optic neuritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Blood problems — Rare but serious low blood cell counts can cause bruising, bleeding, or persistent fever.
New or worsening heart failure — Heart failure can start or get worse during treatment.
Immune system reactions — These include lupus-like syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis, where the immune system attacks the body.
Liver problems — These include hepatitis and, rarely, liver failure.
New or worsening psoriasis — Psoriasis can start or flare during treatment.

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

How To Save on Simlandi

Teva Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Simlandi, offers the Simlandi Savings Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 for their medicine.

The Simlandi Savings Program offers continued cost support. To learn more, visit the Simlandi Savings Program or call 844-735-9935.

What To Know Before Taking Simlandi

Before starting Simlandi, your doctor will check you for tuberculosis (TB), hidden (latent) TB, and may also test for hepatitis B (a virus that affects the liver). Do not take Simlandi if you have an active infection.

Children should be up to date on vaccines before starting treatment, if possible. You should not get live vaccines while using Simlandi.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab-ryvk or any ingredients in Simlandi.

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

Tell your doctor if you have an infection, have had certain infections in the past, or have a history of cancer or nerve problems. Also let your doctor know if you have plans to travel to areas where certain fungal infections are common.

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

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

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

Community FAQs

How effective is Simlandi?
In two studies of adults with hidradenitis suppurativa, about 42 percent to 59 percent of people taking Simlandi achieved a clinical response at Week 12, compared with about 26 percent to 28 percent of people taking a placebo (an inactive treatment). These results show that more people improved with Simlandi than with placebo, but not everyone responded.

Should I take Simlandi for hidradenitis suppurativa if I have an infection?
No. Do not start Simlandi if you have an active infection. This medicine can make it harder to fight infections, including serious ones like tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. If a serious infection happens, treatment should be stopped.

What tests or monitoring are needed with Simlandi for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Before starting Simlandi, you should be checked for active tuberculosis and tested for inactive (latent) TB. If you are at risk for hepatitis B infection, your doctor may also test for it before starting treatment. During and after treatment, it is important to watch for signs and symptoms of infection.

How long does Simlandi take to work for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Studies report results after the first treatment period, but they do not say exactly when each person will start to feel better. Treatment begins with higher doses, followed by regular doses every week or every other week.