What is Cimzia?
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) is an antibody used to treat a specific type of protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This medication helps inhibit TNF, leading to relief of rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Cimzia used for?
Cimzia is used to treat mild to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when other medications cannot control the symptoms. Cimzia is usually used together with another medication called methotrexate.
How to take and use the medication?
The initial dose for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis is 400 mg given over two weeks. This is followed by a maintenance dose of 200 mg every week after the initial dose, starting at week six. The patient continues taking methotrexate with Cimzia. If the doctor decides to avoid methotrexate, Cimzia should be taken alone. A single dose of Cimzia (200 mg) or two injections (400 mg) is given subcutaneously. The injection is usually given in the thigh or abdomen.
What are the potential main side effects?
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(1) Heart failure, either developing the condition or worsening existing heart failure. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles or feet, or sudden weight gain.
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(2) Nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or neuritis and eye inflammation, with symptoms including dizziness, numbness, tingling, vision problems, or weakness in the arms or legs. Rarely, patients may progress to advanced neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
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(3) Adverse reactions: signs such as rash, swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat, or breathing problems.
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(4) Reactivation of hepatitis B virus in patients with this virus in their blood. In some cases, patients may die due to hepatitis B reactivation.
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(5) The body may not produce enough blood cells to fight infections or stop bleeding. Symptoms may include persistent fever, easy bleeding, or pale skin.
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(6) Immune reactions including lupus-like syndrome, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, joint pain, rash on the cheeks, or worsening of arm symptoms upon sun exposure.
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(7) There is rarely an association between Cimzia and cancer. Please inform your doctor if you have had cancer in the past.
What precautions should be taken before taking Cimzia?
All patients should undergo a tuberculin skin test and a chest X-ray before taking this medication. Blood tests should also be done while taking this medication. It is also important to monitor the arthritis condition and ensure blood counts are stable.
What should I do if I am scheduled for surgery?
Certolizumab should be stopped before surgery. If you are scheduled for surgery, you should talk to your doctor about when to stop taking the medication.
Is there a relationship between pregnancy/breastfeeding and Certolizumab?
There is no prior experience with Cimzia in pregnant women. However, it is certain that pregnant women should avoid taking Cimzia. Women who may become pregnant should use an effective method of contraception while taking Cimzia, and they should continue using it for at least 5 months after stopping the medication. It is not known whether Cimzia affects breast milk production in breastfeeding women. Women should speak to their doctor before breastfeeding while taking Cimzia.
How should Cimzia be stored?
Store the medication in the refrigerator at 2-5°C (36-41°F). Avoid freezing the medication in the refrigerator. Keep the pre-filled syringe in the outer carton to protect it from light.
