The FDA recently approved Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh) injections for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. Yusimry is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker and a biosimilar to Humira.
In some industries, workers may develop arthritic conditions by experiencing cumulative or acute trauma. It is also possible for occupational injury to aggravate pre-existing inflammatory joint disease. In some cases, specialty medications for inflammatory conditions are appropriate for these work-related injuries; in other cases, they are prescribed off-label.
For these reasons, specialty arthritis injections like Humira, and now Yusimry, may be seen in workers’ compensation claims. As specialty drugs often come with high costs, the presence of biosimilars can reduce those costs when utilized in appropriate populations, assuming the medication is prescribed for the appropriate indications.
Dosing guidelines and special concerns vary for Yusmiry, depending on which specific indication the drug is treating. While no contraindications are listed on the drug label, common adverse reactions include infections, injection site reactions, headache, and rash. Yusimry should not be started during an active infection.
