Yuflyma

What is Yuflyma?

Yuflyma (adalimumab-aaty) is a biosimilar of Humira, serving as a TNF alfa inhibitor utilized to alleviate pain, inflammation, and skin symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions. Yuflyma is prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Yuflyma is classified as a biosimilar to Humira, signifying its close resemblance to the original product developed by another company. It is not considered an interchangeable biosimilar. The formulation of Yuflyma is available in a high-concentration and citrate-free form, administered through a prefilled syringe or an autoinjector.

How does Yuflyma work?

The immune system typically defends the body against diseases by combating harmful bacteria or viruses. However, in autoimmune disorders, the immune system becomes hyperactive, attacking its own tissues and causing symptoms of the autoimmune condition. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a protein that plays a role in inflammation. Yuflyma, being a TNF blocker, inhibits TNF, thereby reducing pain, inflammation, and skin symptoms.

Related/Similar Drugs

Entyvio, Bimzelx, Cimzia, Otezla, Skyrizi, Stelara, Tremfya

What is Yuflyma used for?

Yuflyma is FDA-approved for the treatment of:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (moderate to severe) in adults, either alone, with methotrexate, or with certain other medicines.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (moderate to severe polyarticular) in children aged 2 years and older, to be used alone or with methotrexate.
• Psoriatic arthritis in adults, either alone or with certain other medicines.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults.
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (moderate to severe) in adults.
• Crohn’s disease (moderate to severe) in both adults and children aged 6 years and older.
• Ulcerative colitis (moderate to severe) in adults. Effectiveness in individuals who have stopped responding to or cannot tolerate TNF-blocker medicines is unknown.
• Plaque psoriasis (chronic and severe) in adults who have the condition in multiple areas of their body and may benefit from injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light alone or with pills).

Yuflyma Side Effects

Common Yuflyma side effects may include:

• Headache
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sneezing, sore throat
• Rash
• Redness, bruising, itching, or swelling at the injection site

Serious Yuflyma side effects necessitating immediate medical attention include signs of an allergic reaction, symptoms of lymphoma, and various conditions such as new or worsening psoriasis, sepsis, liver problems, lupus-like syndrome, nerve problems, and signs of tuberculosis. Older adults may be more susceptible to infections or cancer while using Yuflyma.

Warnings

Yuflyma affects the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections, including serious or fatal ones. Before or during treatment, individuals should report signs of infection to their doctor. Tuberculosis (TB) testing is required before initiating Yuflyma, with ongoing monitoring during treatment. The risk of cancer may be elevated in both children and adults taking TNF-blockers.

Before Taking Yuflyma

Before commencing Yuflyma, individuals should inform their doctor if they exhibit signs of infection, have a history of tuberculosis, chronic infection, cancer, hepatitis B, diabetes, heart failure, nerve-muscle disorders, latex rubber allergy, scheduled major surgery, or recent vaccination.

Pregnant individuals should consult their doctor about potential risks, and breastfeeding may not be advisable while using Yuflyma.

How should I use Yuflyma?

Yuflyma should be used as prescribed, following all instructions on the prescription label and accompanying guides. The medication is administered through subcutaneous injection using an autoinjector or a prefilled syringe. Proper training by a healthcare provider is essential for self-administration. Infections may occur more easily due to Yuflyma’s impact on the immune system, requiring regular medical examinations.

Used needles and syringes should be disposed of in a puncture-proof “sharps” container, adhering to state or local laws. The medicine should be stored at room temperature, and live vaccines should be avoided during Yuflyma use.

Dosing Information

The dose and frequency of Yuflyma depend on the severity and specific condition being treated. Various formulations are available, including Yuflyma Prefilled Auto-injector (Yuflyma AI), Yuflyma Prefilled syringe with safety guard, and Yuflyma Prefilled Syringe, each with different concentrations.

Missed Dose and Overdose

Missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered, without using extra medicine to compensate. In case of overdose, emergency medical attention is recommended.

What should I avoid while using Yuflyma?

Injection into bruised, red, tender, or hard skin should be avoided. Close proximity to individuals with infections should be minimized, and live vaccines are contraindicated during Yuflyma use.

Other Drugs and Yuflyma

Certain drugs may interact with Yuflyma, including abatacept, etanercept, anakinra, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, and rituximab. Live vaccines should be avoided.

This list is not exhaustive, and individuals should inform their doctor of all medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products.

These are general guidelines, and individuals should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and instructions based on their specific medical condition.