Yusimry Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Like all medications, Yusimry (adalimumab-aqvh) can cause side effects. Because it works by suppressing part of your immune system — specifically by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) — the most important side effects involve infection risk and certain types of cancer. Most patients tolerate Yusimry well, but knowing what to watch for can help you respond quickly if something goes wrong.

The Black Box Warning: Serious Infections and Malignancy

Yusimry carries an FDA black box warning — the most serious type of medication warning — for two main risks:

Serious Infections: Yusimry increases the risk of serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. These include tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis), and other opportunistic infections. You should not start Yusimry during an active infection. Stop taking it and call your doctor immediately if you develop fever, persistent cough, or other signs of infection.

Malignancy: Lymphoma and other cancers — some fatal — have been reported in children and adolescents treated with TNF blockers including adalimumab products. In clinical trials, there was an approximately 3-fold higher rate of lymphoma in adalimumab-treated patients compared to the general U.S. population. Non-melanoma skin cancers were also more common.

Common Side Effects of Yusimry

These are the most frequently reported side effects — most are mild to moderate:

Injection site reactions — redness, itching, pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. This is the most common side effect, occurring in about 20% of patients in clinical trials. Most reactions are mild and resolve on their own.

Upper respiratory infections — sinusitis, sore throat, and common cold-like symptoms.

Headache

Rash — mild skin reactions unrelated to the injection site.

Nausea

Serious Side Effects: When to Call Your Doctor Immediately

Contact your doctor or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

Signs of serious infection: Fever, chills, persistent cough, shortness of breath, painful urination, warm or red skin sores, or extreme fatigue.

Signs of TB reactivation: Persistent cough, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue.

Signs of heart failure (new or worsening): Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling in the legs or ankles.

Nervous system problems: Numbness or tingling, vision changes, dizziness, or weakness in arms or legs (which may indicate demyelinating disease).

Blood problems: Persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, or pallor — which may indicate blood dyscrasias including pancytopenia or aplastic anemia.

Allergic reactions: Difficulty breathing, hives, or rapid heartbeat after injection — may indicate anaphylaxis, a rare but serious emergency.

Lupus-like symptoms: Joint pain, chest pain, or a butterfly-shaped rash on the face.

Hepatitis B Reactivation Risk

If you are a hepatitis B (HBV) carrier, Yusimry can reactivate the virus — in some cases fatally. Your doctor should test you for HBV before starting Yusimry. If you're a carrier, careful monitoring is required, and antiviral therapy may be needed. Tell your doctor about any history of hepatitis B.

Tips for Reducing Injection Site Reactions

Let Yusimry warm to room temperature for 15-30 minutes before injecting

Rotate injection sites (thighs and abdomen are common locations)

Do not inject into skin that is bruised, tender, red, or hard

Do not rub the injection site after the shot — this can worsen bruising

For more information on drug interactions with Yusimry, see our guide: Yusimry Drug Interactions. If you're struggling to fill your Yusimry prescription, medfinder can help you find pharmacies with it in stock.