What is Cyltezo? Uses, warnings & side effects

Medically reviewed by Ashley WongPharm. D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated Dec 18, 2025  •  Published Sep 29, 2023
Fact Checked

Cyltezo overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cyltezo

Generic Names:

  • Adalimumab-adbm

Uses:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

  • Psoriatic arthritis

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

  • Crohn’s disease

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • Plaque psoriasis

  • Hidradenitis suppurativa

  • Uveitis

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor

Forms:

  • Subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin)

How it’s taken:

  • Injected under the skin

What is Cyltezo used for?

Cyltezo is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several inflammatory conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.

Key takeaways

  • Cyltezo contains the same active drug as Humira (adalimumab). It is a biosimilar that is interchangeable with Humira. 

  • Cyltezo has a boxed warning for serious, life-threatening infections that may require hospitalization. These include tuberculosis (TB), serious fungal infections, and severe bacterial or viral infections.

  • Cyltezo also has a boxed warning for certain types of cancer. It can raise the risk of developing cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and skin cancer

  • Cyltezo is an injectable medication that you will administer yourself at home. Your doctor or another healthcare provider will show you how to inject Cyltezo. Be sure to read the Medication Guide and Instructions For Use for complete instructions. 

  • Cyltezo should be stored in the refrigerator in its original carton. If needed, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days.

What form(s) does Cyltezo come in?

  • Fact-check the list of forms below, removing any forms that do not apply to Cyltezo. 

  • Add information about strengths below each form.

  • Injection

    • Cyltezo Prefilled Pen 40 mg/0.8 mL

    • Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe 10 mg/0.2 mL

    • Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe 20 mg/0.4 mL

    • Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe 40 mg/0.8 mL

What are common Cyltezo dosages?

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis

  • 40 mg injected every other week

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (ages 2 years and older)

  • 10 kg to <15 kg: 10 mg injected every other week

  • 15 kg to <30 kg: 20 mg injected every other week

  • 30 kg and greater: 40 mg injected every other week

Crohn’s Disease (adult)

  • Day 1: 160 mg injected once

  • Day 15: 80 mg injected once

  • Day 29: 40 mg injected every other week

Crohn’s Disease (pediatric, ages 6 years and older)

  • 17 kg to <40 kg

    • Day 1: 80 mg injected once

    • Day 15: 40 mg injected once

    • Day 29: 20 mg injected every other week

  • 40 kg and greater

    • Day 1: 160 mg injected once

    • Day 15: 80 mg injected once

    • Day 29: 40 mg injected every other week

Ulcerative Colitis (adult)

  • Day 1: 160 mg injected once

  • Day 15: 80 mg injected once

  • Day 29: 40 mg injected every other week

Plaque psoriasis or uveitis

  • Day 1: 80 mg injected once

  • Day 8: 40 mg injected every other week

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

  • Day 1: 160 mg injected once

  • Day 15: 80 mg injected once

  • Day 29: 40 mg injected weekly or 80 mg injected every other week

How to take Cyltezo

  • Be sure to read the Medication Guide and Instructions For Use that comes with Cyltezo. If you have any questions about how to administer Cyltezo, ask a healthcare provider. 

  • Depending on the condition Cyltezo is being used to treat, your healthcare provider will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. Do not use Cyltezo more often than prescribed. 

  • Examine the Cyltezo pen or prefilled syringe before use. If the solution is milky, discolored, or has flakes or particles in it, do not use it. 

  • Cyltezo should be injected under the skin. You can inject it in an area on your upper thighs or belly. Avoid injecting it within 2 inches of your belly button. 

  • Choose a different site every time you give yourself an injection. Avoid injecting Cyltezo in any areas that are tender, bruised, hard, red, or scarred. 

  • After injection, dispose of used needles and syringes in a sharps container right away. Do not throw away used needles or syringes in your regular trash.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cyltezo

  • If you miss a dose of Cyltezo, take it as soon as you remember. Then, take the next dose at your regularly scheduled time. 

  • If you have any questions about a missed dose, contact your healthcare provider.

Cyltezo contraindications - Who shouldn't take Cyltezo?

  • Cyltezo isn’t right for everyone. Do not use it if you’ve had an allergic reaction to adalimumab or any other ingredients in the medication. 

Cyltezo warnings

  • Cyltezo can increase your risk of the following:

    • Serious infections

    • Certain cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or skin cancer

    • New or worsening heart failure

  • If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), Cyltezo may increase the chances of your virus reactivating.

  • Cyltezo can cause or worsen certain medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), optic neuritis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome

  • Although it’s rare, Cyltezo can lower your blood cell levels. This can cause bleeding problems and increase your risk of infection. 

  • The needle covers of Cyltezo pens and prefilled syringes contain latex. If you’re allergic to latex, be sure to tell your healthcare provider.

Cyltezo interactions & what to avoid when taking Cyltezo

Cyltezo side effects - How does Cyltezo make you feel?

In addition to reviewing/revising the list of side effects below, please add a sentence or two about which side effect(s) warrant a doctor’s visit or ER visit.

Cyltezo can cause mild to severe side effects. 

Any signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the hands or face, and shortness of breath, require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number to get medical help right away. 

Serious side effects:

  • Fever, sweat, chills

  • Muscle aches

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Coughing up blood

  • Warm, red, or painful sores

  • Diarrhea

  • Stomach pain

  • Burning when you urinate

  • More frequent urination

  • Fatigue (low energy)

  • Weight loss

  • Dark urine

  • Yellowing skin or eyes

  • Clay-colored stools

  • Skin rash

  • Swelling of your ankles or feet

  • Sudden weight gain

  • Poor appetite

  • Pain, redness, or swelling where Cyltezo is injected that doesn’t go away within a few days

Less serious side effects:

  • Redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising where Cyltezo is injected

  • Upper respiratory infections

  • Headache 

Sources:

Medically reviewed by Ashley WongPharm. D.
Licensed Pharmacist

Ashley Wong, Pharm.D., has worked for healthcare companies where she translated complex drug information into easy-to-understand language for patients. She also served as a Senior Medical Information Specialist at a medical communications company, where she delivered clinically accurate drug information to healthcare providers and patients and compiled adverse event reports in accordance with the FDA's reporting guidelines.

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