{"id":628511,"date":"2024-06-07T14:44:14","date_gmt":"2024-06-07T18:44:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628511"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:55:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:55:29","slug":"cyltezo-vs-humira","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cyltezo-vs-humira\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyltezo vs. Humira: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Humira<\/span><\/a> and Cyltezo are injectable prescription medications that treat various autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as <\/span>rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>plaque psoriasis<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Crohn’s disease<\/span><\/a>. They both contain the active ingredient adalimumab and are classified in a group of medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. They <\/span>work by<\/span><\/a> blocking the action of TNF, a cytokine (chemical messenger), which causes inflammation. Although these drugs contain the same active ingredient, there are some differences. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cyltezo vs. Humira: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cyltezo and Humira are both TNF blockers that contain the active ingredient adalimumab. Humira is a brand-name medication made by the pharmaceutical company AbbVie, Inc. Cyltezo is an interchangeable biosimilar (similar to a generic, but for biologic drugs like Humira) made by <\/span>Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc<\/span>. The table below provides some basic information about both drugs. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Cyltezo vs. Humira: Key similarities & differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nCyltezo<\/b><\/td>\nHumira<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nTumor necrosis factor blocker (TNF blocker)<\/span><\/td>\nTumor necrosis factor blocker (TNF blocker)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nInterchangeable biosimilar (similar to a generic for a brand-name drug)<\/span><\/td>\nBrand (also known as the reference drug)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the active ingredient?<\/b><\/td>\nAdalimumab<\/span><\/td>\nAdalimumab; adalimumab-adbm<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nPrefilled pen: 40 mg\/0.8 ml<\/span><\/p>\n

Prefilled syringe: 10 mg\/0.2 ml, 20 mg\/0.4 ml, 40 mg\/0.8 ml<\/span><\/td>\n

Prefilled pen: 40 mg\/0.4 ml, 40 mg\/0.8 ml, 80 mg\/0.8 ml<\/span><\/p>\n

Prefilled syringe: 10 mg\/0.1 ml, 20 mg\/0.2 ml, 40 mg\/0.4 ml, 40 mg \/0.8 ml, 80 mg\/0.8 ml<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries by age and indication<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/a> by age and indication<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/p>\n

Pediatric patients for certain indications<\/span><\/td>\n

Adults<\/span><\/p>\n

Pediatric patients for certain indications<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Cyltezo vs. Humira: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cyltezo and Humira are both approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the same uses, although the ages for use vary for some indications. These medications are typically used in combination with other medications when other treatments have not been effective on their own. <\/span><\/p>\n

The conditions in the chart below are the approved uses for Cyltezo and Humira. Cyltezo has the same FDA-approved uses as Humira, except Cyltezo is only FDA-approved for use in adults for ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare conditions treated by Cyltezo & Humira<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nCyltezo<\/b><\/td>\nHumira<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis <\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moderately to severely active polyarticular <\/span>juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/a> in patients 2 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moderately to severely active <\/span>ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/a> (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (approved for use in adults only)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults and pediatric patients 5 years and older)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moderate to severe <\/span>hidradenitis suppurativa <\/span><\/a><\/td>\nYes (approved for use in adults only)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (ages 12 years and older)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Uveitis<\/span><\/td>\nYes (approved for use in adults only)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Humira better than Cyltezo?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Humira is a biologic drug and a monoclonal antibody that the FDA approved in 2002. <\/span>Biologics<\/span><\/a> come from natural sources like animals or humans and may be produced with biotechnology. According to the <\/span>FDA<\/span><\/a>, while nonbiologic drugs are manufactured with specific chemicals and have a known chemical structure, most biologics are complex mixtures and cannot be easily characterized or identified. <\/span><\/p>\n

Because Humira is a biologic, it does not have a generic. Rather, Humira is known as a reference drug, and Cyltezo is what’s called a biosimilar drug. Humira has <\/span>various adalimumab biosimilars<\/span><\/a> available by prescription. Boehringer Ingelheim’s Cyltezo <\/span>received FDA approval as a biosimilar in 2017<\/span><\/a> and then received approval as an interchangeable biosimilar product in 2021. It became available in the United States in July of 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>biosimilar<\/span><\/a> is an almost identical copy of the approved biologic (reference) drug—in this case, Humira. Because biologics are complex, biosimilars cannot be exactly the same. However, biosimilars are made of the same active ingredient, work the same way, and have the same mode of administration (such as injection) and dosing as the reference product. Before they can be approved on the market, biosimilars must go through clinical studies to ensure they are the same in terms of safety and efficacy as the reference drug. <\/span><\/p>\n

While there are various Humira biosimilars, some, including Cyltezo, are also considered interchangeable. Not all biosimilars are interchangeable. An interchangeability designation means the biosimilar can be substituted (considered interchangeable) for the reference product. So, if a prescription is issued for Humira, the pharmacy can automatically dispense Cyltezo or another interchangeable biosimilar as allowed by individual state laws. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cyltezo vs. Humira: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cyltezo and Humira are specialty drugs, which means you will get them from a <\/span>specialty pharmacy<\/span><\/a>. Your healthcare provider will help you with the process of getting your medication. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you pay out-of-pocket for a one-month supply of Cyltezo (two single-dose pens), the price is about $7,581. You can access a <\/span>SingleCare card or coupon<\/span><\/a> to bring the price down to as low as $1,317.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you pay out-of-pocket for a one-month supply of Humira (two single-dose syringes), the price is about $8,714. You can use a <\/span>SingleCare card or coupon<\/span><\/a> to pay a discounted price of $6,259.<\/span><\/p>\n

While these drugs are often covered by insurance companies and Medicare prescription drug plans, your costs may vary. Contact your health insurance provider for the most recent pricing estimates. You can also check the manufacturer’s website for more information on <\/span>ways to save<\/span><\/a>.   <\/span><\/p>\n

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Compare costs & coverage of Cyltezo vs. Humira<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nCyltezo<\/b><\/td>\nHumira<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n1 box <\/span><\/td>\n1 box<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost (for a one-month supply)<\/b><\/td>\n$1,317<\/span><\/td>\n$6,259<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Humira vs. Cyltezo side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because both drugs have the same active ingredient, <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> are the same. The most common side effects are upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, headache, rash, and injection site reactions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Serious side effects may occur as well. Some examples of serious side effects include severe infections and heart, liver, and lung problems, among others. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a full list of side effects. Consult your prescribing healthcare provider for more information and a full list of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Compare side effects of Cyltezo vs. Humira<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nCyltezo<\/b><\/td>\nHumira<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side Effect<\/span><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/span><\/td>\nFrequency<\/span><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/span><\/td>\nFrequency<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upper respiratory infection <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n17%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n17%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sinus infection <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n11%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n11%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flu <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n9%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stomach pain <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rash <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Injection site reaction <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Urinary tract infection <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Source: DailyMed (<\/span>Cyltezo)<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>DailyMed <\/span>(Humira)<\/span><\/a><\/h5>\n

Cyltezo and Humira drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before taking Cyltezo or Humira, tell your healthcare about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. <\/span><\/p>\n

People who take Cyltezo or Humira should not take <\/span>Kineret<\/span><\/a> (anakinra), Orencia (abatacept), or <\/span>Rituxan<\/span><\/a> (rituximab) due to the increased risk of serious infections. Also, Cyltezo and Humira should not be combined with other TNF blockers due to the risk of interactions and infections. <\/span><\/p>\n

While taking Cyltezo or Humira, you should not get live vaccines. Check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before getting any vaccines.<\/span><\/p>\n

People on drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (a small window between therapeutic and toxic doses or blood levels) will need careful monitoring and may need a dose adjustment. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a full list of drug interactions. Consult your healthcare professional for medical advice on drug interactions and how they may affect you. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Compare Cyltezo vs. Humira drug interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug<\/b><\/td>\nDrug Class<\/b><\/td>\nInteracts with Cyltezo?<\/b><\/td>\nInteracts with Humira?<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kineret (anakinra)<\/span><\/td>\nInterleukin antagonist <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Orencia (abatacept)<\/span><\/td>\nSelective T cell costimulation modulator<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rituxan (rituximab)<\/span><\/td>\nAnti CD20 antibody<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cimzia (c<\/span>ertolizumab pegol<\/span>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Enbrel (etanercept)<\/span><\/p>\n

Remicade (infliximab)<\/span><\/p>\n

Simponi (golimumab)<\/span><\/td>\n

TNF blockers<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BCG intravesical<\/span><\/p>\n

MMR vaccine<\/span><\/p>\n

Nasal influenza vaccine<\/span><\/p>\n

Rotavirus vaccines<\/span><\/p>\n

Varicella vaccine<\/span><\/td>\n

Live vaccines <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cyclosporine<\/span><\/p>\n

Theophylline<\/span><\/p>\n

Warfarin<\/span><\/td>\n

Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cyltezo and Humira drug warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cyltezo and Humira share the same drug warnings, including the following:<\/span><\/p>\n