Cimzia (Certolizumab Pegol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cimzia Used For?
Cimzia contains certolizumab pegol, a human antibody fragment that specifically targets and blocks a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). By blocking TNFα activity, Cimzia helps reduce inflammation and the painful symptoms associated with various inflammatory diseases.
Primary Uses
Cimzia is used to treat several inflammatory conditions including: rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness) – may be used with methotrexate; plaque psoriasis (red, itchy and inflamed skin); psoriatic arthritis (similar symptoms to rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis); ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (back pain and morning stiffness).
How It Works
Cimzia is a human antibody fragment that recognizes and binds to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), blocking its harmful activity. This helps prevent the damaging effects of TNFα and reduces signs and symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness.
Good to know: Cimzia can be used during breastfeeding according to your doctor’s guidance.
How to Take Cimzia
Cimzia is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous). You can learn to inject it yourself, or have a family member, friend, doctor, or nurse give you the injection after proper training.
Dosage Instructions
Starting dose: 400 mg (2 injections) given at weeks 0, 2, and 4. Maintenance dose: 200 mg every other week starting at week 6. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe 400 mg monthly. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on how you respond to treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions and continue using Cimzia until told to stop.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled dose, inject the next dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule as if you hadn’t missed a dose. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Do not attempt to inject yourself until you’ve been properly trained by a healthcare professional. Never take a double dose.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Lower respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
- Upper respiratory infections (cold, runny nose, sinus infections)
- Bacterial infections including abscesses or urinary tract infections
- Viral infections (cold sores, shingles, influenza)
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Rash or itching
- Abdominal symptoms (pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, indigestion)
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness, itching)
- Feeling weak and generally unwell
- Headache
- Dizziness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent cough, weight loss, listlessness, fever
- Signs of nervous system disorders (numbness, tingling, arm/leg weakness, double vision)
- A bump or open sore that doesn’t heal
- Severe rash, hives, or allergic reactions
- Swollen face, hands, feet
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Shortness of breath with exertion or when lying down
- Swelling of feet
- Persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, paleness
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before and during treatment with Cimzia.
Who Should Not Take Cimzia
Do not use Cimzia if you: are allergic to certolizumab pegol or any ingredients; have a severe infection, including tuberculosis or ongoing/recurring infections; have moderate to severe heart failure; are already using anakinra (another rheumatoid arthritis medicine); if packaging is damaged or expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: any infection symptoms (fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, open cuts/sores); history of recurrent infections; nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis; congestive heart failure; cancer (lymphoma, skin cancer); lupus symptoms; allergic reactions; airway disease (emphysema, COPD); blood disorders; tuberculosis or contact with someone who has it; scheduled vaccines or surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Cimzia can be used during breastfeeding – discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Infection Risk: You may be at increased risk of developing infections during treatment. Monitor for symptoms and contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Cimzia and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
Important: Taking other biologic medicines while on anti-TNF therapy may increase your risk of infection.
- Other biologic medicines (may increase infection risk when combined with anti-TNF therapy)
- Anakinra (do not use together)
- Abatacept (do not use together)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities that require alertness until you know how Cimzia affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Cimzia affects you. The medication may cause dizziness or other effects that could impair your ability to drive safely.
Storage
Store Cimzia in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep the pre-filled syringe or pen in the outer carton to protect from light. If needed, Cimzia may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C for a single period of up to 10 days with protection from light. Once stored at room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator and discard if not used within 10 days. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Cimzia, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cimzia follows a specific dosing schedule with initial doses at weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by maintenance dosing every other week starting at week 6. Your doctor will monitor your response to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.
Yes, you can learn to self-inject Cimzia, but only after receiving proper training from a healthcare professional. The injection can also be given by a family member or friend who has been trained in the injection technique.
If you miss your scheduled dose, inject the next dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe with your treatment.
Watch for symptoms of infections including fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, open cuts or sores, persistent cough, weight loss, or listlessness. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection, as Cimzia may increase your risk of infections.
Tell your doctor if you are scheduled for any vaccines. You should discuss vaccination plans with your healthcare provider before receiving any vaccines while on Cimzia treatment.
Store Cimzia in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Don’t freeze it. Keep it in the outer carton to protect from light. If needed, you can store it at room temperature up to 25°C for up to 10 days, but once at room temperature, don’t put it back in the refrigerator.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.