Simlandi (Adalimumab-Ryvk) for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis.

How Simlandi Works and How It’s Taken

Simlandi is a type of medication called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. It works by binding to TNF-alpha, a protein involved in inflammation. By blocking TNF-alpha, Simlandi helps reduce inflammation.

In people with plaque psoriasis, treatment may reduce skin thickening and the buildup of inflammatory cells in the skin.

Doctors prescribe Simlandi when adults have moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis and may need treatment that works throughout the body or light therapy, when other treatments are less appropriate.

Simlandi is a biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab). This means it is made from living cells and is designed to work like the original medicine. The FDA requires biosimilars to have no meaningful differences in safety or how well they work.

Simlandi is given as an injection under the skin. With proper training and a doctor’s guidance, people or caregivers may give the injections at home.

Typical Dosing for Psoriasis

The recommended starting dose of Simlandi for adults with plaque psoriasis is 80 milligrams.

One week later, treatment continues with 40 milligrams every other week.

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Simlandi Side Effects

In clinical studies of Simlandi for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults, the most common side effects occurred in at least 10 percent of people. These side effects 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 may require immediate medical attention. These include:

Serious infections — Because Simlandi affects the immune system, infections can become severe, including tuberculosis and invasive fungal infections.
Malignancies — Lymphoma and other cancers can occur.
Hypersensitivity reactions — Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis or angioedema can cause swelling and trouble breathing.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation — The virus can become active again in people who carry it.
Nervous system problems — Rare demyelinating disorders can affect the protective covering of nerves, such as optic neuritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Blood problems — Rare but serious low blood cell counts can lead to easy bruising, bleeding, or persistent fever.
New or worsening heart failure — The heart may not pump as well, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling.
Immune system reactions — These can include lupuslike syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis, in which the immune system attacks the body.

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. The program is not available to people eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government insurance coverage. 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 active tuberculosis (TB) and test for latent (hidden) TB. If you are at risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, your doctor may evaluate you for prior HBV infection before treatment.

If possible, people should be up to date on recommended vaccines before starting Simlandi. Do not receive live vaccines while using Simlandi.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab 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 or get infections that keep coming back
Have been exposed to TB or have risk factors for TB
Have had hepatitis B
Have a history of certain nerve problems, such as multiple sclerosis
Live in or have traveled to areas where fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis, are common
Have heart failure
Have a history of cancer
Use medicines such as Orencia (abatacept), Kineret (anakinra), Rituxan (rituximab), Imuran (azathioprine), or Purinethol (6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP)
Are scheduled to have major surgery

Do not start Simlandi if you have an active infection.

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

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then return 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

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Simlandi for psoriasis?

In a study of adults with plaque psoriasis, 71 percent of people treated with adalimumab achieved PASI 75 at week 16, compared with 7 percent of people who received placebo (an inactive treatment). PASI 75 means at least a 75 percent improvement in psoriasis severity from the start of the study. At week 16, 62 percent of people treated with adalimumab were rated as having clear or minimal disease, compared with 4 percent of people who received placebo.

How effective is Simlandi for psoriatic arthritis?

In a clinical study of adults with psoriatic arthritis, 57 percent of people treated with adalimumab achieved an ACR20 response at 24 weeks, compared with 15 percent of people who received placebo. At 24 weeks, 39 percent of people treated with adalimumab achieved an ACR50 response and 23 percent achieved an ACR70 response, compared with 6 percent and 1 percent of people who received placebo.

Among participants whose psoriasis affected at least 3 percent of their body surface area, 59 percent achieved PASI 75 and 42 percent achieved PASI 90 at 24 weeks, compared with 1 percent and 0 percent of people who received placebo. PASI 75 and PASI 90 indicate at least 75 percent and 90 percent improvement in psoriasis severity.

How long does Simlandi take to work for psoriasis?

In clinical studies of adalimumab for plaque psoriasis, treatment results were evaluated at week 16. The clinical study reports psoriasis efficacy outcomes at that time point but does not provide earlier efficacy results.