Hyrimoz Biosimilar?

[Sea_Star]

Hi all! I haven't been on here for a really long time, as I've done really well on Humira for 9 years. I started a new job in June this year, and therefore, got new insurance. Welp, I was informed my insurance which goes through CVS Caremark, doesn't cover/supply Humira, so my GI doctor at Mayo recommended the biosimilar Hyrimoz. I was extreeeemely nervous at first, fearing losing remission, but i've had three Hyrimoz injections so far, and it's been smooth sailing....until last week, when some RLQ aching showed up. I had a lot of stress last week (and ate a lot of carbs lol), so maybe that's it (I've had a couple blips with Humira too), but all of a sudden my Hyrimoz fears came flooding back these last few days.

So I'm here coming to the Crohn's experts from a patient's pov:

1.) Has anyone had to switch to a biosimilar, Hyrimoz specifically? If so, what has your experience been like?
2.) I can't find studies where Hyrimoz is studied to be similar to Humira (i need to know the science lol).

 

[dreamintwilight]

Hi all! I haven't been on here for a really long time, as I've done really well on Humira for 9 years. I started a new job in June this year, and therefore, got new insurance. Welp, I was informed my insurance which goes through CVS Caremark, doesn't cover/supply Humira, so my GI doctor at Mayo recommended the biosimilar Hyrimoz. I was extreeeemely nervous at first, fearing losing remission, but i've had three Hyrimoz injections so far, and it's been smooth sailing....until last week, when some RLQ aching showed up. I had a lot of stress last week (and ate a lot of carbs lol), so maybe that's it (I've had a couple blips with Humira too), but all of a sudden my Hyrimoz fears came flooding back these last few days.

So I'm here coming to the Crohn's experts from a patient's pov:

1.) Has anyone had to switch to a biosimilar, Hyrimoz specifically? If so, what has your experience been like?
2.) I can't find studies where Hyrimoz is studied to be similar to Humira (i need to know the science lol).

How're you doing now? I'm being forced to switch to a different Humira biosimilar, Amjevita, in January and have been nervous about it since I've been in remission for 10+ years too.

 

[Sea_Star]

How're you doing now? I'm being forced to switch to a different Humira biosimilar, Amjevita, in January and have been nervous about it since I've been in remission for 10+ years too.

I'm sorry you're being forced to switch too Thankfully, I'm doing ok now--that blip in September worried me, though all the bloodwork/scans confirmed I'm still in clinical remission so that eased my mind a bit! I have heard if the biosimilar fails, your Dr can make a case to get back on Humira, but knock on wood things are stable right now

I totally understand the anxiety you must be feeling, but know your team is on your side and there's no way they would allow you to lose remission--sending faith and wishes this switch goes smoothly for you!

 

[dreamintwilight]

I'm sorry you're being forced to switch too Thankfully, I'm doing ok now--that blip in September worried me, though all the bloodwork/scans confirmed I'm still in clinical remission so that eased my mind a bit! I have heard if the biosimilar fails, your Dr can make a case to get back on Humira, but knock on wood things are stable right now

I totally understand the anxiety you must be feeling, but know your team is on your side and there's no way they would allow you to lose remission--sending faith and wishes this switch goes smoothly for you!

Yeah, when I let me PCP know about my impending switch to a biosimilar, he mentioned the same thing about if any sort of symptoms seem to pop back up that it should be plenty enough reason for the insurance company to approve a switch back to Humira. I'd rather not have any issues, honestly! But any change after so long of zero symptoms tends to make me nervous!

I'm glad to hear you are doing well on it though! Thanks for sharing your experience and updating on how you've been. I imagine there will be more and more people being forced to switch to Humira biosimilars due to insurance now that they've been approved to use in the US.