Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm) is a brand-name injectable solution that’s prescribed in adults and some children for certain inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and more. Cyltezo can cause side effects, such as headache and rash.

Cyltezo has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Cyltezo can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Cyltezo in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Cyltezo use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Cyltezo’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Cyltezo include:

  • injection site reactions
  • nausea and vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • back pain
  • muscle cramps
  • confusion
  • headache
  • skin rash
  • upper respiratory infections, such as sinus infections

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Cyltezo and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Cyltezo may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Cyltezo’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Cyltezo, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • nerve problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • numbness or tingling
    • vision problems
    • weakness in the arms or legs
    • dizziness
  • blood problems, including anemia, which may include symptoms such as:
    • fever
    • bruising or bleeding easily
    • looking very pale or pallid complexion
  • heart failure, which may include symptoms such as:
    • shortness of breath
    • sudden, unintended weight gain
    • swelling of your ankles or feet
  • lupus-like syndrome (immune system reaction), which may include symptoms such as:
    • chest discomfort that doesn’t resolve
    • shortness of breath
    • joint pain
  • liver problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • tiredness
    • loss of appetite or vomiting
    • jaundice
  • hepatitis B virus reactivation, which may include symptoms such as:
    • muscle aches
    • tiredness
    • dark urine
    • loss of appetite or vomiting
  • risk of serious infection*
  • risk of cancer*

* Cyltezo has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Cyltezo injectable solution can cause an allergic reaction.

This side effect was reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Cyltezo, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Cyltezo may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of Cyltezo compare with those seen with Humira?

Cyltezo is a biosimilar of Humira. Biosimilars are like generic drugs and are similar to their respective biologic drug. For additional information, see this article about biologics and biosimilars.

Because Cyltezo and Humira are similar, they also share some of the same side effects. Common side effects reported with Humira use include headache, skin rash, and upper respiratory infections. Common side effects reported with Cyltezo also include headache, rash, and upper respiratory infections.

Additionally, injection site reactions, such as redness or discoloration, skin rash, and swelling, are commonly reported side effects of both drugs. This is because both medications are given as an injection under your skin. Cyltezo is available in multiple dosage forms, including a prefilled auto-injected pen. See this article for more information about Cyltezo dosage.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about Cyltezo or Humira.

Does Cyltezo cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time you’re taking a drug, even if you’ve taken it for a long time. It also includes side effects that may not go away, even after you stop taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported in Cyltezo studies include:

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Cyltezo and how long they may last.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Cyltezo may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Cyltezo.

Risk of serious infection

Cyltezo has a boxed warning for increased risk of serious infection. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Medications similar to Cyltezo have been reported to increase your risk of having a serious infection, possibly leading to hospitalization or death. Serious infections can include bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. For example, tuberculosis (TB) infection has been reported with in people using medications similar to Cyltezo.

Symptoms of infection may include:

  • fever, sweats, or chills
  • muscle aches
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • tiredness

Using certain other medications with Cyltezo can further raise your risk of developing a serious infection. Examples of these medications include abatacept (Orencia), anakinra (Kineret), methotrexate (Trexall and others), and corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Rayos). However, this is not a complete list of all medications.

Before starting Cyltezo, talk with your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.

What you can do

Before starting Cyltezo, your doctor will test you for TB. They will also talk with you about any current infections you may have, including any infections that keep coming back. If you have a current infection, your doctor will likely treat your infection before starting Cyltezo treatment. In most situations, it isn’t recommended to start Cyltezo treatment if you have any current or ongoing infection.

If you develop any symptoms of an infection during your treatment with Cyltezo, talk with your doctor right away. They may recommend pausing your Cyltezo treatment while treating your infection.

Risk of cancer

Cyltezo has a boxed warning for increased risk of cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Medications similar to Cyltezo have been reported to increase your risk of having certain cancers. Examples include lymphoma, leukemia, and skin cancer.

What you can do

Before starting Cyltezo treatment, talk with your doctor about your personal risk and history of cancer. They will help you determine whether Cyltezo is right for you. Your doctor will also monitor and check you for cancer before and during your Cyltrezo treatment. This may include blood tests and skin exams. Talk with your doctor right away if notice any skin changes, such as a bump or open sore that doesn’t heal.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Cyltezo.

Cyltezo has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Other precautions

Before taking Cyltezo, discuss your health history with your doctor. Cyltezo may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.