Uses
What is Cimzia used for?
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, which is a condition affecting your digestive tract
- Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is a type of arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis, which is a type of arthritis
- Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which is a type of arthritis that starts during childhood
- Ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis commonly affecting the spine
- Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with inflammation, which is a joint condition
- Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, which is a type of skin condition
Learn more about Cimzia for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Cimzia may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Cimzia work (mechanism of action)?
Cimzia belongs to a class of medicines called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) blockers. By blocking TNFα, it reduces inflammation in the body.
How is Cimzia supplied (dosage forms)?
Cimzia is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin.
- 200 mg vial
- 200 mg prefilled syringe
How should I store Cimzia?
Vial. Cimzia vials are usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store Cimzia vials at home, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Prefilled Syringe. Cimzia prefilled syringes should be stored under refrigeration, which is between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze. Cimzia prefilled syringes can be stored at room temperature (maximum temperature of 77 F/25 C) in the original carton for a single period of up to 7 days. Once at room temperature, do not return to the refrigerator.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Cimzia?
The most common side effects of Cimzia are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Rash
- Kidney or bladder infection
There may be other side effects of Cimzia that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Cimzia?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Cimzia are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Serious Infection. Cimzia can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for tuberculosis (TB) before you start Cimzia. Call your healthcare provider if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on the body
- Tiredness
Cancer. Cimzia can increase the risk of certain types of cancers. These cancers include cancer of the lymph glands (lymphoma) and certain types of skin cancer. You should wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you are in the sun, and you should also avoid tanning beds. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Swollen glands (lymph nodes) often in the neck, armpit, or groin that are painless
- Cough
- Fever, night sweats, tiredness, weight loss, or itching
- Bumps on your skin
- New moles or ones that change in shape, color, or size
Heart Failure. Cimzia may increase your risk of heart failure or worsen heart failure if you already have it. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation. Cimzia may cause hepatitis B to reactivate in people who have a history of hepatitis B infection. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before starting Cimzia and may monitor you for infection during treatment and up to 6 months after treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis B.
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dark urine (pee)
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (skin or whites of the eyes turn yellow)
Nervous System Problems. Cimzia can cause new or can worsen nervous system problems like multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barre syndrome, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves in the eye. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in your arms or legs
- Trouble keeping your balance or difficulty walking
Blood Disorders. Cimzia can cause blood disorders, such as aplastic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), low white blood cell levels (leukopenia), and a combination of low red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (pancytopenia). Stop using Cimzia and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Immune System Reactions. Cimzia can cause inflammation of your liver, blood vessels, or lymph vessels and can cause symptoms that look like a condition called lupus. Stop using Cimzia and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms.
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
Severe Allergic Reactions. Cimzia may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Cimzia and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Cimzia?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Cimzia.
- Cimzia
- Certolizumab pegol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cimzia.
What should I know about Cimzia before using it?
Do not use Cimzia unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Cimzia with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Do not share the needle that is attached to it with another person. This practice can risk you or the other person getting an infection.
Keep Cimzia out of the reach of children. Because this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
Cimzia prefilled syringe is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use it. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider. Always inspect your injection before you use it. It should be clear and colorless to yellow and free from particles. Do not use Cimzia prefilled syringe if the medicine is cloudy or discolored. Cimzia is injected into the stomach or upper thigh. Make sure you choose a new injection site each time you use it. Do not inject into moles, scars, bruises, or damaged skin.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Cimzia?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Cimzia is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Weak immune system
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Hepatitis B
- Lymphoma or any other type of cancer
- Heart failure
- Seizures or any other condition that affects your nervous system
- Serious blood conditions
Risk for Infection. Cimzia increases your risk for certain infections. It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. These might increase your chance of having an infection.
- A current infection
- Get a lot of infections or have infections that come back
- Been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis (TB)
- Were born in, live in, have lived in, or traveled to countries where there is a risk for TB
- Live, have lived in, or traveled to parts of the country where there is a risk for fungal infections
Vaccines. You should not receive any live vaccines right before or while using Cimzia. Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently received a live vaccine or have any scheduled.
Latex or Rubber Allergy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to latex or rubber. The needle shield inside the removable cap of the Cimzia prefilled syringe contains natural rubber. This may cause an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to latex.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Cimzia may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Cimzia, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Cimzia could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Cimzia while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Small amounts of Cimzia pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Cimzia while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Cimzia?
For more information about Cimzia, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.cimzia.com or call them at 844-599-CARE (844-599-2273).
Interactions
Does Cimzia interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Cimzia and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cimzia.
Does Cimzia interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Cimzia.
- Kineret (anakinra), which is used for rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions
- Orencia (abatacept), which is used for certain autoimmune conditions
- Rituximab (Rituxan and others), which is used for certain cancers and autoimmune conditions
- Natalizumab (Tysabri and others), which is used to treat multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Cimzia. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cimzia?
If you or someone else has used too much Cimzia, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Cimzia?
If you miss a scheduled dose, use it as soon as you remember. Contact your healthcare provider with any questions about the timing of your next dose.