Cimzia (Certolizumab pegol) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview
Cimzia is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Cimzia is also referred to by its drug name, certolizumab pegol.

Cimzia is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Cimizia is composed of a genetically engineered antibody, or protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize substances. It is believed to work by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a chemical messenger involved in autoimmune attacks.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Cimzia is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under your skin) once every two to four weeks.

Cimzia comes in a prefilled, single-use syringe.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Cimzia lists common side effects including upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and rash.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Cimzia include severe infections, increased risk for lymphoma and other cancers, heart failure, severe allergic reactions, hepatitis B virus reactivation, nerve damage, low blood cell counts, and lupus-like syndrome.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Cimzia — UCB
https://www.cimzia.com

Certolizumab Pegol (Cimzia) — American College of Rheumatology
https://www.rheumatology.org/Learning-Center/Me...