Yusimry (Adalimumab-Aqvh) for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults.

How Yusimry Works and How It’s Taken

Yusimry works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, a protein in the body that causes inflammation. In moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, this blocks TNF-alpha and changes some inflammatory responses in the body. The exact way biologics work in each condition is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Yusimry for adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. By targeting inflammation, the medication may help manage symptoms and slow disease activity.

Yusimry is given as an injection under the skin. Treatment starts with a higher starter dose, followed by another dose two weeks later. After that, it is taken 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.

Yusimry Side Effects

In clinical studies of Yusimry for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, the most common side effects were:

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

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

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

Serious infections — Your immune system may not fight infections as well, including tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, and other bacterial or viral infections, which can lead to hospitalization or death.
Cancer, including lymphoma and skin cancer — A higher rate of some cancers has been reported with TNF blockers like adalimumab.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis or angioedema) — These can cause trouble breathing, swelling, or hives.
Hepatitis B reactivation — The hepatitis B virus can become active again in people who carry it.
Nervous system problems — These include rare demyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affect the nerves.
Blood disorders — These include rare but serious low blood cell counts, which can cause easy bruising, bleeding, or persistent fever.
Heart failure — This includes new or worsening congestive heart failure.
Lupuslike syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis — These immune system reactions can cause symptoms like rash, joint pain, or liver inflammation.

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

How To Save on Yusimry

Meitheal Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Yusimry, offers the Yusimry Solutions Copay Savings Program for people who are prescribed Yusimry.

The Yusimry Solutions Copay Savings Program for eligible people with commercial insurance may allow them to pay as little as $0. To learn more, visit the Yusimry cost and savings page, or call 800-987-4679.

What To Know Before Taking Yusimry

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

People taking Yusimry can receive vaccines, but should not get live vaccines.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab-aqvh or any ingredients in Yusimry.

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

Also let your doctor know if you have any infections, have had infections that keep coming back, have traveled to areas where certain infections are common, or have had cancer or nervous system problems.

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

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then take your next dose at your regular time.

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

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Yusimry in hidradenitis suppurativa?
In clinical studies, adalimumab, the reference product for Yusimry, 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 Yusimry taken for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Yusimry is first given as higher starting doses. This includes 160 milligrams on day 1, which may be given in one day or split over two days. Then 80 milligrams is given on day 15.

Starting on day 29, Yusimry is taken regularly as either 40 milligrams every week or 80 milligrams every other week. Your doctor will decide which schedule is right for you.

What tests or monitoring are needed with Yusimry for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Before starting Yusimry, your doctor will test you for TB, including latent TB, and may check your risk for hepatitis B. While you are taking Yusimry, your doctor will watch for signs of infection, including TB. They will also check for serious side effects, such as problems with your blood, liver, or nervous system, which controls your brain and nerves.

It is important to have regular checkups so your doctor can make sure the medicine is working safely.