Certolizumab pegol
Drug Name(s): Cimzia
Class: Biologics
Type: TNF-α inhibitor
Used for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).
Dosage
Form(s): prefilled syringe
400 mg (2 injections x 200 mg/mL) every 4 weeks
Or 200 mg (1 injection x 200 mg/mL) every 2 weeks
Special Instructions
Keep syringes refrigerated. Do not freeze. Allow to reach room temperature before injecting. Inject into thigh, abdomen or upper arm. Rotate injection sites. Do not inject where skin is tender, bruised, red or hard.
Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment
Potential Side Effects
Bruising, pain or redness at the injection site; headache; infections; rash
Be Aware
All biologics suppress the immune system and may increase your risk of infections. Tell your doctor if you have an active infection. Do not start treatment if you have a serious or recurrent infection (such as pneumonia). You should be tested for tuberculosis before starting this medication. Do not get a live vaccine when taking biologics.
Some evidence shows that TNF inhibitors may increase the risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and skin cancer. Use sun protection and check your skin regularly while taking any of these drugs. TNF inhibitors should be avoided or used with caution in people with congestive heart failure. Rare reports of lupus have been linked to the use of TNF inhibitors. Lupus symptoms may go away when the medication is stopped
