Yusimry (Adalimumab-Aqvh) for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh) 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 Yusimry Works and How It’s Taken

Yusimry is a type of biologic medication called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. It binds to TNF-alpha, a protein involved in inflammation, and blocks its activity. This action helps reduce inflammation.

In plaque psoriasis, Yusimry may reduce skin thickening and the buildup of inflammatory cells in the skin. Reducing inflammation also helps Yusimry treat psoriatic arthritis.

Doctors prescribe Yusimry to treat adults with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy and for whom other systemic treatments are medically less appropriate. Doctors also prescribe Yusimry for adults with active psoriatic arthritis.

Systemic therapy works throughout the body, whereas phototherapy uses light to treat psoriasis.

Yusimry is a biosimilar of Humira. 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.

Yusimry 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 Yusimry for 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.

Yusimry Side Effects

In clinical studies of adalimumab, the most common side effects occurred in more than 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

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

Serious infections — Because Yusimry affects the immune system, infections can become severe, including tuberculosis and invasive fungal infections.
Malignancies (cancers) — Lymphoma and other cancers can occur.
Hypersensitivity reactions (severe allergic reactions) — 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, which affect the protective covering of nerves, can occur, 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 — Lupuslike syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis can occur when the immune system attacks the body.

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

How To Save on Yusimry

Meitheal Pharmaceuticals offers the Yusimry Solutions Copay Savings Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per dose.

The program offers the Yusimry Solutions Copay Card. To learn more, visit the Yusimry cost and support 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 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.

Do not start Yusimry if you have an active infection.

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

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

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 abatacept (Orencia), anakinra (Kineret), azathioprine (Imuran), rituximab (Rituxan), or 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
Are scheduled to have major surgery

Yusimry 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 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 for psoriasis?

In a study of adults with plaque psoriasis, 71 percent of people treated with adalimumab had a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response at week 16, compared with 7 percent of people who took placebo (an inactive treatment). PASI 75 means at least a 75 percent improvement in psoriasis severity. Also at week 16, 62 percent of people treated with adalimumab were rated clear or minimal, compared with 4 percent of people taking placebo.

How effective is Yusimry 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. ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 refer to at least 20 percent, 50 percent, and 70 percent improvement, respectively, in a standard set of arthritis measures.

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 90 means at least a 90 percent improvement in psoriasis severity.

Should I take Yusimry for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis if I have an infection?

Yusimry should not be started if you have an active infection, including a localized infection. This medicine can lower your immune system's ability to fight infections and can raise the risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis, fungal infections, and other bacterial or viral infections. Contact your doctor if you develop signs or symptoms of infection during treatment.