User Reviews for Cimzia subcutaneous

Previous meds have not helped with my crohns. Suffered for over 20 years. Numerous surgeries, fistulas, abcessess. After my 7th injection I started to notice significant improvements in my flare which had started in Feb 08 and did not let up until May 09. Mine are administered by homecare nurse, 2 shots, one each side of lower abdomen. And I got to avoid another surgery. Hope it continues to work!

I have had Crohn's for 15 years-had my first surgery a year ago, which helped with the pain. I have been on this medicine for about 6 months now, and have gained weight, but still have diarrhea with frequent bathroom trips. However, I do believe it has helped me to an extent. I cannot take remicade as i am allergic to it, and Humira did not help me either...this is my last resort to help control the disease.

I was diagnosed with JRA at 10months of age. I have been on every treatment available including gold shots. I am 42yr now. I have just gotten my 2nd set of shots and the first set , I saw somewhat relief after the 4th day. My JRA hit me hard this yr staring in Jan. I have went downhill spending most days in bed. I was on Humira most recently Q 7 dy and wasnt helping. I also have Psoriatic Arthritis. Since the second shots within 4 days I was able to be up and around walking which is so wonderful.My disease has affected ALL of my joints and I have osteopenia because of the disease process. I have slowed on taking all of my pain medications but still have days of not being able to care for myself. This drug is promissing even though there have been some side effects I dont like. Nausea, headaches, fatigue, weakness. I have found that if my husband, a surgeon lets the syringe sit out for about 30 minutes before injection it doesnt burn so much. This may help you out some. The humira always burned and I had horrible reactions with it. I am on a rather large regime of other meds but with Cimzia , it is getting smaller. Sleep is the biggest problem for me. It is very hard to sleep with this medication on board. I hope this helps anyone and everyone.Read More Read Less

I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 9 years. I have been on many drugs that my system over time has made ineffective. This will be my 3rd month on Cimzia. I have seen good control of the RA, but the shots are extremely painful, very burning. I am used to pain, but this is terrible. I am wondering if the mg strength of the dosage plays a role and if the preservative used in the medication is also a factor? Also have developed a red rash on my cheeks and arms. Will still continue for now.

I have had rheumatoid arthritis since i was a child and i am 27 years old, i had an allergic reaction to humira and enbrel so i was nervous about the cimzia. i have had 2 injections and so far so good. i am currently trying to ween myself off of methotrexate so that i can become pregnant in the next year, so hopefully the cimzia will work. i will keep posting my progress.

I was on Enbrel for a year and Remicade for a year (but due to the ridiculous cost of Remicade...I chose to change.) I am now on Cimzia and have only received one injection and due for another in 2 days. My body is ready for some kind of treatment because the Remicade is gone and I am feeling the RA hitting a level I haven't experienced in a while. I have tried to research this drug on the internet to see how much time to allow for RA symtom relief and have not found any information on that subject. I am a patient person to some degree and will give this medicine a fair shake!Read More Read Less

I am a former Remicade user. That was making me sick so I had to give up on it! Started with Cimzia and in the early stages. So far looks good. I like the abiity to be in control and able to administer myself, not tied down for 4 hours. No problem with injections not sure why others have to have nurses administer when on the package instructions it clearly shows the "patient" how and where to do it yourself. I give it on the weekend but don't really see to much loss of energy, but I don't let it get to me usually. Bottom line I think this is going to work!Read More Read Less

I have Ulcerative Colitis and had been using Remicade for 30 months. Still was not seeing a lot of improvement. After stopping Remicade, had the worst flare up in 24 years of disease. Started Cimzia and after the first month, went into complete remission and doing great 7 months later. Seems it works for UC as well as Crohns, maybe better.

after trying all meds.for 4 yrs. had remicade for 22 months body built up anti-bodies against it.only 2 drugs left to try-Humira or Cimzia.Started Cimzia 9 months ago.Hasn't helped me with diarrhea at all.Seems to wear off after 2&1/2 weeks.Had 3 infections since being on it.Waiting to see if I can get the shots every 3 wks. instead of every 4. Still willing too give it a chance since only 1 drug is available for me to try if this drug fails to work for me. It's easier then having to have the remicade infusions every 6wks.because of every vein I had was blown due to IV's hospitalizations.The Co. provides free of charge a home health nurse to cone & give the 2 shots in the abdomen. Read More Read Less

I have only taken the first dose of the medication but had some scary side effects. About four hours after injecting Cimzia I was awoken by severe dizziness, numbness of my tongue, tingling in my arms, hands, and legs, shortness of breath, swelling of my lips...I have never felt like this before. I had been on Enbrel for 5 years and I have not had any allergies to medication before. I have had a slight improvement in small joint swelling and pain as well as a decrease in the duration of my morning stiffness. After several years of waiting for a new drug I am disappointed. Good luck to everyone-hope it works for you!Read More Read Less

First of all, like another patient, Remicaide had given up on me too. I also read someone saying they now have allergies to bandaids. I actually developed this with Remicaide and was told that it was a hypersensitivity issue- that and the lack of response eventually caused me to quit using that med. I have been on Cimzia for 11 months now and have mixed reviews. It never lasts the four weeks that it is supposed to. For the first couple of weeks, I see great improvement then weeks 3 and 4 go downhill quickly. My doctor was going to try an intermediate dose but I cannot stay healthy long enough to do that. That is my biggest complaint- I am always sick- with something...- I had total knee replacement in 5/08 and now think I have a bone infection- If so, will have to have the whole knee taken out, bones scraped, and a new knee put in. I am not sure if the short lived improvement is worth the side effects. Also, I saw many posts about the use of Narcotics- I was there (Fentanyl, Percocet, Oxycontin) and all I can tell you is that they almost ruined my life. I understand the pain and am not trying to judge but if you have any alternatives, try to get off these. Since I have been dealing with the pain so long now- 14 years- I usually just cope. At most, I take 2 Vicodins- They help but do not get rid of it totally. All the others eventually made me non functional. It always seems to be a no-no win situation with Crohn's. I wish someone would come up with a cure instead of all these funky meds...Read More Read Less

I have only had my first two shots. I seem to have gotten severe joint pain. I am not sure if this will last or go away, but I am going to stick with it for awhile longer. Remicade seems to have given up on me.

This drug has done wonders for me. I have never needed pain killers like another reviewer on this site, but my diarrhea has improved significantly. My energy has improved and I am able to travel with my husband without as much concern of problems. The day after my shots, I have extreme fatigue. I am fortunate enough to be able to give in to that feeling, and I take it slow and rest the day of my injection and the following day as well. I have a question for the other users. I am not allowed to give myself the injections, I am required to have home health nurses come and give it to me. I was told the drug is not approved for self administration.Read More Read Less

This has been a huge improvement for me and extremely rapid. I cant wait to see more improvements. 5 of 8 active fistulas stopped within 1 week, swelling way down energy up.Nausea almost nonexsistant. I have decreased my pain meds to 1/4 of what I was taking(Fetanyl,Vicoden,diladud) The only "side effects" if they are really side effects are kinda wierd. I can not stay awake for nothing the next day, my face has broken out(acne not this ad since teen years) and I have developed a allergy to bandaids(non latex even) But there is NO WAY I would discontinue Cimzia because of these. I FINALLY see a light at the end of this horrible Crohn's tunnel and hope to resume my life within one yearif I keep improving as I am. P.S. for some reason the 2nd injection stings like CRAZY even though it is in a different site each time(Tummy then thigh or vice versa)Read More Read Less

I feel as though the joint pain and bladder pain is from this med Dr not certain yet still real new for me.