Injection Site

Cimzia is injected either on your stomache or thigh and you need to change each week. What is Cimzia?

Cimzia is in a group of drugs called tumor necrosis factor blockers. Certolizumab reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation.

Cimzia is used to treat the symptoms of Crohn's disease after other drugs have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms. Cimzia is also used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults

Cimzia may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Cimzia
Before you start treatment with Cimzia, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection or if you have recently received any vaccines.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have lupus, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, a seizure disorder, congestive heart failure, a history of cancer, or a disease that affects the nerves or muscles (such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis).).

Cimzia can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with Cimzia. Contact your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, cough, sweating, tired feeling, or if you feel short of breath.

Some infections are more likely to occur in certain areas of the world. Tell your doctor where you live and where you have recently traveled or plan to travel to during treatment.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with Cimzia.

Treatment with Cimzia may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) or autoimmune disorders (such as a lupus-like syndrome). This risk may be greater in children and young adults. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive Cimzia?
You should not receive Cimzia if you have active but untreated tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, if anyone in your household has tuberculosis, or if you have recently traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Before you receive Cimzia, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

an active or recent infection;

signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, or flu symptoms;

open sores or skin wounds;

lupus;

diabetes;

HIV or AIDS;

hepatitis B (or if you are a carrier of the virus);

a history of cancer;

epilepsy or seizure disorder;

congestive heart failure;

a disease that affects the nerves or muscles, such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome;

if you have recently been vaccinated with BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin); or

if you are scheduled to receive any vaccines.

FDA pregnancy category B. Cimzia is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Cimzia passes into breast milk. Before you receive Cimzia, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings in more detail

Treatment with Cimzia may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) or autoimmune disorders (such as a lupus-like syndrome). This risk may be greater in children and young adults. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.