Cimzia is a brand-name biologic subcutaneous injection prescribed for Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions. Cimzia contains the active ingredient certolizumab pegol.

Cimzia is FDA-approved for use in adults to treat the following conditions:

Cimzia is given as a subcutaneous injection. It comes as a solution in prefilled syringes and a powder that a healthcare professional mixes with liquid to form a solution.

Cimzia is not available in a brand-name version.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Cimzia to treat certain conditions. Cimzia may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

Cimzia for plaque psoriasis

Cimzia is FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. It’s used for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that could benefit from systemic treatment (treatment that affects the entire body) or phototherapy (light treatment).

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of the skin condition psoriasis. It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body. It causes red or silver plaques (thick, scaly patches) to develop on your skin. Cimzia helps reduce the number of psoriasis plaques and how severe they are.

Effectiveness for plaque psoriasis

In clinical trials, Cimzia was more effective than a placebo (a treatment with no active drug) at reducing symptoms of plaque psoriasis.

Cimzia for Crohn’s disease

Cimzia is FDA-approved for Crohn’s disease in adults. It’s used to reduce symptoms in people who have moderate to severe Crohn’s disease that’s active (causing symptoms). Cimzia is typically prescribed if other treatments haven’t been effective.

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes symptoms such as diarrhea, blood in your stools, and abdominal cramps.

Effectiveness for Crohn’s disease

In clinical trials, Cimzia was more effective than a placebo (a treatment with no active drug) at reducing symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Cimzia for rheumatoid arthritis

Cimzia is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It’s used for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that’s active (causing symptoms).

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks cells in your body. It causes joint swelling and damage, and it makes your joints stiff and painful.

Effectiveness for rheumatoid arthritis

In clinical trials, Cimzia was more effective than a placebo at improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It was also more effective than a placebo at improving physical function (ability to do daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or walking). The drug was considered effective after 6 months of treatment and still effective after 1 year of treatment.

Cimzia for psoriatic arthritis

Cimzia is FDA-approved to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults. It’s used for psoriatic arthritis that’s active (causing symptoms). Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis (joint swelling) that can happen in some people with psoriasis.

Effectiveness for psoriatic arthritis

In a clinical trial, Cimzia was more effective than a placebo at reducing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. It was also more effective than a placebo at improving physical function (ability to do daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or walking).

In one of these studies, the effect of Cimzia on joint damage was also assessed with X-rays. In people who took 200 mg of Cimzia every 2 weeks, joint damage did not progress as much as joint damage in people who took a placebo. However, this was not seen in people who took 400 mg of Cimzia every 4 weeks.

Cimzia for ankylosing spondylitis

Cimzia is FDA-approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis in adults. It’s used for ankylosing spondylitis that’s active (causing symptoms). Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that affects the spine.

Effectiveness for ankylosing spondylitis

In one clinical trial, Cimzia was more effective than a placebo at reducing symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Cimzia was also more effective than a placebo at improving physical function (ability to do daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or walking).

Cimzia for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Cimzia is FDA-approved to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults. This is a kind of joint inflammation in the spine or pelvis that causes pain and stiffness but can’t be seen on an X-ray. Cimzia is used for active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in people who have signs of inflammation in blood tests or MRI scans.

Effectiveness for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

In one clinical trial, Cimzia was more effective than a placebo at improving symptoms and reducing disease activity. Disease activity is assessed using the results of blood tests and by asking people to rate their symptoms (for example, how severe their back pain is). The drug was considered effective after 12 weeks of treatment and after 1 year of treatment.

Off-label uses for Cimzia

In addition to the uses listed above, Cimzia may be prescribed off-label. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved for one use is prescribed for a different one that’s not approved.

Cimzia for ulcerative colitis (off-label use)

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that’s similar to Crohn’s disease. Cimzia is FDA-approved to treat Crohn’s disease, but it’s not FDA-approved to treat ulcerative colitis.

Cimzia is a type of drug called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker, and other TNF blockers are approved to treat ulcerative colitis.

The manufacturer of Cimzia is currently testing this drug as a treatment for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults.

Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in taking Cimzia to treat ulcerative colitis.

Cimzia for uveitis (off-label use)

Uveitis is a type of eye inflammation. Cimzia is not FDA-approved to treat uveitis, but it may be prescribed off-label for this purpose.

Cimzia is a type of drug called a TNF blocker, and other TNF blockers are approved to treat uveitis.

In one study, Cimzia was found to be effective for treating uveitis, including in people who had tried other TNF blockers without success.

Some people have uveitis along with inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, or psoriasis. One review of studies found that Cimzia can be effective for treating uveitis and these other conditions at the same time.

Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in taking Cimzia to treat uveitis.

Cimzia contains the active drug certolizumab pegol, which is a biologic medication. It’s not available as a biosimilar. (Biosimilars are like a generic version of a biologic medication.)

Cimzia can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Cimzia. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Cimzia, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs they have approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Cimzia, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below are partial lists of mild side effects of Cimzia. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Cimzia’s prescribing information.

The mild side effects of Cimzia that are more common* can include:

The mild side effects of Cimzia that are less common† can include:

  • herpes infections (such as oral herpes, genital herpes, or chickenpox) in people with psoriasis who have been exposed to the herpes virus
  • headache in people with psoriasis or arthritis
  • high blood pressure in people with arthritis — this was seen in those who already have high blood pressure and in those taking other medications that could also increase blood pressure
  • joint pain in people with Crohn’s disease
  • injection site reaction, such as redness or discoloration, bruising, pain, or swelling‡
  • mild allergic reaction‡

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* These side effects occurred in 8% or more of people in clinical studies.
† These side effects occurred in less than 8% of people in clinical studies.
‡ For details about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Cimzia aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Heart failure. Symptoms can include:
    • shortness of breath
    • swollen ankles or feet
    • sudden weight gain
  • Blood disorders, such as low number of red or white blood cells or platelets. Symptoms can include:
    • fever
    • bruising or bleeding easily
    • skin or gums looking pale
  • Liver problems, including reactivation of the hepatitis B virus in people who carry this virus in their blood. Symptoms can include:
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • loss of appetite
    • abdominal pain
    • fatigue
    • jaundice (yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes)
  • Nerve problems, such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, seizures, optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), and peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms can include:
    • dizziness
    • problems with your vision
    • tingling
    • numbness
    • weakness in your arms or legs
  • Immune system reactions, such as lupus-like syndrome. Symptoms can include:
    • shortness of breath
    • joint pain
    • rash on the cheeks or arms that gets worse when exposed to the sun
  • Serious allergic reaction.*
  • Risk of serious infections.†
  • Possible risk of cancers.†

* For details about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
† Cimzia has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see “Cimzia precautions” below.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on several of the side effects this drug may cause.

Note: In addition to the information above and below, you can refer to this article for more details about Cimzia’s side effects.

Tiredness

You may feel tired while using Cimzia. In clinical trials, fatigue was reported in some people who took Cimzia for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Fatigue was not reported in clinical studies of Cimzia for people with Crohn’s disease or psoriasis.

If you feel unusually tired while taking Cimzia, talk with your doctor. They may have suggestions to help improve your energy levels. Feeling tired can also be a sign of anemia or liver problems, which can occur with Cimzia. Your doctor may want to do blood tests to check for these conditions.

Hair loss

In clinical trials, some people who took Cimzia experienced hair loss. It’s not known how often this occurred, but it was not common.

Talk with your doctor if you’re worried about hair loss while taking Cimzia.

Pain or reaction at your injection sites

Where Cimzia is injected, you may get some pain or a reaction such as redness, bruising, discoloration, or swelling.

In clinical trials of Cimzia, injection site reactions were not very common.

Each time you get a Cimzia injection, be sure to use an injection site that’s at least 1 inch away from the last site you used. This can help reduce your risk of an injection site reaction.

Be sure to contact your doctor if you get a severe reaction after a Cimzia injection.

Liver damage

If you’ve ever had hepatitis B (liver infection), taking Cimzia can cause the hepatitis B virus to reactivate (become active in your body again). This can result in liver damage and can sometimes lead to death. Your doctor will test you for hepatitis B before you start treatment with Cimzia. If you have the hepatitis B virus, your doctor will decide whether Cimzia is right for you.

In clinical trials, increased liver enzymes (which can be a sign of liver damage and hepatitis) were also reported in some people who took Cimzia. It’s not known how often these problems occurred or if they were related to hepatitis B reactivation, but they were not common.

See your doctor right away if you get any symptoms of liver problems while taking Cimzia. These include:

  • pain on the right side of your abdomen
  • unusually dark urine or pale stools
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Cimzia. It’s not known how often this occurs. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Cimzia. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Note: Part of the single-dose prefilled syringe is made of a material similar to natural rubber latex. Handling the syringe could cause an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to latex.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Cimzia is given as a subcutaneous injection into the thigh or abdomen. The drug comes in two forms:

  • solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe
  • powder in a single-dose vial, which is mixed with liquid by a healthcare professional to form a solution

Both forms of Cimzia come in a strength of 200 mg.

When you first start taking Cimzia, your doctor or a healthcare professional will give you the injection in their office. In some cases, they may also teach you how to give yourself injections at home (using the prefilled syringe). Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in learning to do this.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

The usual dosage for adults is 400 mg (given as two injections of 200 mg) every 2 weeks.

However, if you weigh 198 pounds (90 kilograms) or less, you may start with 400 mg (two injections of 200 mg) given:

  • for your first dose
  • 2 weeks after your first dose
  • 4 weeks after your first dose

This would be followed by a dosage change to 200 mg (one injection) every 2 weeks.

Dosage for Crohn’s disease

The usual dosage for adults is 400 mg (two injections of 200 mg). This is given:

  • for your first dose
  • 2 weeks after your first dose
  • 4 weeks after your first dose

If your Crohn’s symptoms are reduced at this point, your dosage will change to 400 mg (two injections of 200 mg) every 4 weeks.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis

The usual dosage for adults is 400 mg (two injections of 200 mg). This is given:

  • for your first dose
  • 2 weeks after your first dose
  • 4 weeks after your first dose

After this, the recommended dosage is 200 mg (one injection) every 2 weeks, or 400 mg (two injections of 200 mg) every 4 weeks.

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

The usual dosage for adults is 400 mg (two injections of 200 mg). This is given:

  • for your first dose
  • 2 weeks after your first dose
  • 4 weeks after your first dose

After this, the recommended dosage is 200 mg (one injection) every 2 weeks, or 400 mg (two injections) every 4 weeks.

What if I miss a dose?

It’s important to keep your appointments with your doctor for Cimzia injections. If you miss an appointment, call your doctor’s office right away to reschedule.

If you’re using Cimzia at home and forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then talk with your doctor. They can help you set up a new schedule for your Cimzia treatment.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, you could note your Cimzia schedule on your calendar or try setting a reminder on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Cimzia is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Cimzia is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Note: For more details about Cimzia’s recommended dosages, you can refer to this article.

Cimzia may be used with other drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or Crohn’s disease. Your doctor will let you know if you need to take other drugs with Cimzia to treat your condition.

Other drugs that you might take with Cimzia include:

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Cimzia, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are prescribed off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

Alternatives for plaque psoriasis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat plaque psoriasis include:

Alternatives for Crohn’s disease

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat Crohn’s disease include:

  • corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Rayos) or budesonide (Entocort EC)
  • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs)
  • azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran)
  • 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol, Purixan)
  • methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • natalizumab (Tysabri)
  • vedolizumab (Entyvio)
  • ustekinumab (Stelara)

Alternatives for rheumatoid arthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis include:

Alternatives for psoriatic arthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat psoriatic arthritis include:

  • NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Naprosyn)
  • methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
  • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
  • apremilast (Otezla)
  • leflunomide (Arava)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • golimumab (Simponi)
  • ixekizumab (Taltz)
  • secukinumab (Cosentyx)
  • ustekinumab (Stelara)
  • brodalumab (Siliq)
  • abatacept (Orencia)
  • tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR)

Alternatives for ankylosing spondylitis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis include:

  • NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Naprosyn)
  • corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Rayos)
  • methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
  • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • golimumab (Simponi, Simponi Aria)
  • secukinumab (Cosentyx)

Alternatives for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis include:

  • NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Naprosyn)
  • corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Rayos)
  • methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)
  • sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • golimumab (Simponi, Simponi Aria)
  • secukinumab (Cosentyx)

You may wonder how Cimzia compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Cimzia and Humira are alike and different.

Ingredients

Cimzia contains the active drug certolizumab. Humira contains the active drug adalimumab. Both Cimzia and Humira are biologics (drugs that are made using living cells). They both belong to a class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)

Uses

Cimzia and Humira are both FDA-approved to treat or reduce signs and symptoms of:

Cimzia is also FDA-approved to treat:

  • non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (a type of joint swelling in the spine or pelvis)

Humira is also FDA-approved to treat:

  • moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in children ages 6 years and older
  • moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in certain adults and children ages 5 years and older
  • some types of noninfectious uveitis (a type of eye swelling) in adults and children ages 2 years and older
  • juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older
  • hidradenitis suppurativa (a chronic skin condition) in adults and children ages 12 years and older

Drug forms and administration

Cimzia comes as a single-dose vial and a single-dose prefilled syringe. Humira comes as a single-dose injection pen and a single-dose prefilled syringe.

Cimzia and Humira are both given by subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin) into the thigh or abdomen.

When you first start taking either Cimzia or Humira, your doctor will give you the injection at their office. In some cases, they may also teach you how to give yourself injections at home (using the prefilled syringe). Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in learning to do this.

Side effects and risks

Cimzia and Humira are both TNF blockers. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

This list contains examples of more common side effects that can occur with both Cimzia and Humira (when taken individually):

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Cimzia and Humira (when taken individually):

* Cimzia and Humira both have a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see “Cimzia precautions” below.

Effectiveness

Cimzia and Humira have different FDA-approved uses, but they’re both used to treat the conditions listed below.

  • Plaque psoriasis: The effectiveness of Cimzia and Humira for treating plaque psoriasis has been compared in a review of several studies. This review found that Cimzia may be more effective than Humira for treating plaque psoriasis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: The effectiveness of Cimzia and Humira for treating rheumatoid arthritis has been directly compared in a clinical study. The study found these drugs to be similarly effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: The effectiveness of Cimzia and Humira for treating ankylosing spondylitis has been compared in a review of studies. This review found Humira and Cimzia are likely to be similarly effective for treating ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Crohn’s disease: The effectiveness of Cimzia and Humira for treating Crohn’s disease has been compared in a review of several studies. This review found that Humira may be more effective than Cimzia for treating Crohn’s disease.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: These drugs haven’t been directly compared for psoriatic arthritis, but studies have found both Cimzia and Humira to be effective for this condition.

Costs

Cimzia and Humira are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no biosimilar* forms of Cimzia. There are biosimilars available for Humira. Brand-name medications usually cost more than biosimilars.

Your cost for either drug may depend on the condition you’re using it to treat and your dosage. The actual price you’ll pay for Cimzia or Humira depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Cimzia and Humira.

Note: For a more detailed overview of how Humira compares with Cimzia, refer to this article.

* Biosimilars are like a generic version of a biologic medication. Cimzia and Humira are biologics.

Cimzia and Enbrel are prescribed for similar uses. Below are details of how these medications are alike and different.

Ingredients

Cimzia contains the active drug certolizumab. Enbrel contains the active drug etanercept. These are both biologics (drugs made using living cells). Cimzia and Enbrel both belong to a class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)

Uses

Cimzia and Enbrel are both FDA-approved to treat:

Cimzia is also FDA-approved to treat:

  • moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in adults, when other treatments haven’t helped enough
  • non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (a form of joint swelling in the spine or pelvis)

Enbrel is also FDA-approved to treat:

  • plaque psoriasis in children ages 4 years and older who could benefit from systemic treatment (treatment that affects the entire body) or phototherapy
  • polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older
  • juvenile psoriatic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older

Drug forms and administration

Cimzia comes as a single-dose vial and a single-dose prefilled syringe. Enbrel comes as a single-dose prefilled syringe, a single-dose prefilled autoinjector, and a single-dose prefilled cartridge to use in the reusable autoinjector. It also comes as a single-dose or multiple-dose vial.

Cimzia and Enbrel are both given by subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin) into the thigh or abdomen. Enbrel can also be given into the upper arm.

When you first start using either Cimzia or Enbrel, your doctor will give you the injection at their office. In some cases, they may also teach you how to give yourself injections at home (using the prefilled syringe). Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in learning to do this.

Side effects and risks

Cimzia and Enbrel are both TNF blockers. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Cimzia or with both drugs (when taken individually).

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Cimzia and Enbrel (when taken individually):

* Cimzia and Enbrel both have a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see “Cimzia precautions” below.

Effectiveness

Cimzia and Enbrel have different FDA-approved uses, but they’re both used to treat the conditions listed below.

  • Plaque psoriasis: The effectiveness of Cimzia and Enbrel for treating plaque psoriasis has been compared in a review of several studies. This review found that Cimzia may be more effective than Enbrel for treating plaque psoriasis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: The effectiveness of Cimzia and Enbrel for treating rheumatoid arthritis has been compared in a review of studies. This review found Enbrel may be more effective than Cimzia for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: The effectiveness of Cimzia and Enbrel for treating ankylosing spondylitis has been compared in a review of studies. This review found Enbrel and Cimzia are likely to be similarly effective for treating ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: These drugs haven’t been directly compared for psoriatic arthritis, but studies have found both Cimzia and Enbrel to be effective for treating this condition.

Costs

Cimzia and Enbrel are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no biosimilar* forms of Cimzia. There are biosimilars available for Enbrel. Brand-name medications usually cost more than biosimilars.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Cimzia and Enbrel.

* Biosimilars are like a generic version of a biologic medication. Cimzia and Humira are biologics.

It’s not known whether Cimzia should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

If you use Cimzia during pregnancy, you could consider enrolling in the drug’s pregnancy registry. Pregnancy registries help gather information about how certain drugs affect pregnancy. To enroll in the registry for Cimzia or to learn more, call 866-626-6847 or go to the registry’s website. You can also talk with your doctor.

You can refer to this article for more information about Cimzia and reproductive health. If you have more questions, talk with your doctor.

You should take Cimzia according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.

When you first start using Cimzia, your doctor will give you the injection at their office. They might also teach you how to give yourself injections at home (using the prefilled syringe).

Cimzia is given by subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin). The injection sites used are the thigh or abdomen. You may need one or two injections for each dose. If you need two injections, they should be given in different places (at least 1 inch apart) at these injection sites.

The manufacturer of Cimzia has a video series of instructions on how to give yourself Cimzia injections. They also provide written step-by-step instructions as a booklet you can download.

When to take

Cimzia is usually taken once every 2 weeks or once every 4 weeks. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. You can take your dose at any time of day on your scheduled day.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, make sure your schedule is written on your calendar. You can also try setting a reminder on your phone.

There aren’t any known interactions between Cimzia and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol can worsen symptoms of psoriasis and Crohn’s disease for some people. The relationship between alcohol and arthritic diseases is not clear.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink while you’re using Cimzia.

Cimzia can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Cimzia can also affect certain lab test results.

Cimzia and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Cimzia. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Cimzia.

Before taking Cimzia, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Cimzia and immunosuppressant drugs

Immunosuppressants are drugs that reduce your immune system activity. Cimzia can also reduce your immune system activity. Taking Cimzia with an immunosuppressant can raise your risk of serious infections.

Examples of immunosuppressant drugs that can raise the risk of infections with Cimzia include:

  • corticosteroids such as prednisone (Rayos)
  • methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Trexall)

Cimzia and certain other biologics

Cimzia is a biologic (a drug made from living cells). Cimzia is not recommended with other biologics used to treat arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or psoriasis because it raises your risk of serious infections.

Examples of other biologics that are not recommended for use with Cimzia include:

Cimzia and live vaccines

Getting a live vaccine while using Cimzia can cause serious infections.

Live vaccines contain weakened forms of viruses or bacteria. They don’t cause infections in people with healthy immune systems. However, they could cause infections if your immune system activity is reduced by taking Cimzia.

While you’re taking Cimzia, you shouldn’t get live vaccines such as:

It is safe to get inactive (not live) vaccines, such as the flu shot, while you’re using Cimzia.

Cimzia and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Cimzia. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Cimzia.

Cimzia and lab tests

Cimzia doesn’t affect blood clotting in your body. However, Cimzia may affect the results of certain tests that measure how long it takes your blood to clot. One of these tests is the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test.

These abnormal test results may suggest that you have a problem with your blood clotting, when in fact you don’t. If you need to have a test done to check how your blood clots, make sure your doctor knows you’re taking Cimzia. In most cases, you’ll only need this type of test done if your doctor thinks you may have a blood-clotting problem.

Cimzia is approved to treat Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic spondyloarthritis. These conditions are all partly caused by an overactive immune system.

Your immune system typically protects you from infections and cancers. However, if your immune system is overactive, it produces too many proteins that cause inflammation. Inflammation is a key feature in all the conditions Cimzia treats. Inflammation causes the symptoms of these diseases, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain with Crohn’s disease, joint pain and stiffness with arthritis, and skin plaques (thick, scaly patches) with psoriasis.

Cimzia is a biologic therapy that works by reducing inflammation. Biologics are drugs that are made using living cells. They’re designed to target specific proteins in your body. Cimzia is a type of biologic called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. TNF is a protein that causes inflammation, and it’s produced in excessive amounts in the conditions Cimzia is approved to treat.

Cimzia works by attaching to TNF and blocking its effects. This can reduce joint inflammation in arthritis, bowel inflammation in Crohn’s disease, and skin plaques in psoriasis.

How long does it take to work?

Cimzia starts to work as soon as you have your first injection. However, it may take a few weeks before you notice a reduction in your symptoms.

In clinical trials, about two-thirds of people taking Cimzia for Crohn’s disease had reduced symptoms after 6 weeks of treatment. Almost half of those with ankylosing spondylitis and about 20% of those with arthritis had improved symptoms in the first 2 weeks of treatment. However, for most people it may take about 12 weeks before symptoms improve.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Cimzia.

Is Cimzia a steroid?

No, Cimzia is not a steroid. Steroids (also called corticosteroids) are drugs that reduce inflammation in your body. Cimzia also reduces inflammation, but it works in a different way than steroids. Cimzia is a type of drug called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker.

Can I get a flu shot while I’m taking Cimzia?

Yes you can, and it’s important that you do. Cimzia reduces your immune system activity and makes it harder to fight infections such as the flu. Flu infections can be much more serious in people who take drugs like Cimzia. A flu vaccine is the best way to avoid getting the flu.

The flu vaccine comes in two forms: an injected vaccine (the flu shot) and a nasal spray vaccine. If you’re taking Cimzia, you should get the injected form of the flu vaccine. This contains a flu virus that has been inactivated, which means it is not “live” and so can’t cause the flu.

You shouldn’t get the nasal form of the vaccine while you’re taking Cimzia. The nasal vaccine contains live strains of the flu virus. The virus has been weakened, and it won’t cause the flu in healthy people. However, it’s possible that it could cause the flu in people who have reduced immune system activity (sometimes called a weakened immune system).

While you’re taking Cimzia, you should get a flu shot every year to protect against the flu.

Is it safe to take antibiotics while I’m using Cimzia?

Yes, if your doctor prescribes this. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. If you get a bacterial infection while taking Cimzia, you’ll need to take an antibiotic to treat it. Cimzia reduces your immune system activity, so you’re less able to fight infections while you’re taking it.

If you get a serious infection, you may need to stop taking Cimzia until the antibiotic clears up the infection.

Can I take Cimzia if I have diabetes?

Yes, if your doctor prescribes this. However, you may be more at risk of getting infections. Both diabetes and Cimzia can raise your risk of getting infections. To help avoid infections:

  • make sure all your immunizations are up to date before you start Cimzia
  • get the flu shot every year
  • if possible, stay away from people who have an infection
  • wash your hands often
  • practice good foot care to avoid foot ulcers and infections

See your doctor right away if you get any symptoms of an infection while you’re taking Cimzia.

Will Cimzia cure my condition?

No. Cimzia can’t cure your condition, but it can help relieve your symptoms. If you have Crohn’s disease or psoriasis, taking Cimzia may clear up your symptoms completely (called remission). But you must continue to take your medication to keep these results. Long-term treatment with Cimzia helps to manage your condition, rather than cure it.

Is Cimzia a biologic?

Yes, Cimzia is a biologic. Biologics are drugs made using living cells. Cimzia is a type of biologic called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker.

As with all medications, the cost of Cimzia can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Cimzia or help to understand your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called CIMplicity is available for Cimzia. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 844-277-6853 or visit the program website.

Generic version:Cimzia is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

For details about the cost of Cizmia treatment, refer to this article. To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of serious infections

Cimzia reduces your immune system activity, which can make your immune system less able to fight germs. This increases your risk of getting infections, some of which are serious or may become serious.

Serious infections include tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, kidney infection, and bacterial, fungal, or viral infections that spread throughout your body. Serious infections may need to be treated in a hospital and can sometimes lead to death. Your doctor will test you for TB before you start treatment with Cimzia.

See your doctor right away if you get any symptoms of infection while taking Cimzia. These may include:

  • fever
  • chills
  • a bad cough
  • coughing up blood
  • red, warm, or painful areas of skin
  • skin sores
  • urinating often, with a burning sensation when you urinate
  • muscle aches
  • shortness of breath
  • unexpected weight loss
  • fatigue

If you get an infection while taking Cimzia, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat it. If you develop a serious infection, you may need to stop taking Cimzia until the infection has been successfully treated.

To help avoid infections:

  • wash your hands often, especially if you’ve been in public places
  • stay away from people who have infections (especially coughs, colds, or flu)
  • ask your doctor if there are any vaccines you should have before you start Cimzia

Possible risk of cancer

Cimzia reduces your immune system activity, which can make your immune system less able to attack and destroy cancer cells. Because of this, Cimzia may increase your risk for developing certain types of cancer. These include lymphoma, leukemia, and skin cancer.

Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout your Cimzia treatment by doing blood tests and skin examinations. See your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your skin while you’re taking Cimzia.

In clinical trials, a few cases of cancer were reported in people who took Cimzia. However, cancers occurred at a similar rate in people who took a placebo (a treatment with no active drug). Cimzia is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker, and cancers have been reported in people taking other TNF blockers. In some cases, cancers occurred more frequently in people taking a TNF blocker than in people taking a placebo.

Lymphoma and other rare cancers have been reported in children and teenagers treated with TNF blockers. Some of these cancers have led to death. Cimzia is not prescribed for use in children under 18 years of age.

Other precautions

Before taking Cimzia, talk with your doctor about your health history. Cimzia may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • History of hepatitis B infection. If you’ve ever had hepatitis B, there’s a chance that taking Cimzia could make the hepatitis B virus active in your body again. This could lead to liver failure and death. Your doctor will do blood tests to check for the hepatitis B virus before you start taking Cimzia. If you have the hepatitis B virus, your doctor will decide whether Cimzia is right for you.
  • Heart failure. Cimzia can cause and worsen heart failure. If you have heart failure, your doctor will monitor you closely while you take Cimzia.
  • Nerve problems. Cimzia can cause and worsen symptoms of nerve problems. Examples include multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, seizures, optic neuritis, or peripheral neuropathy. If you have a problem with your nerves, talk with your doctor about whether Cimzia is right for you.
  • Problems with your blood cell counts. In rare cases, Cimzia may lower your number of blood cells. If you’ve ever had problems with your blood cells, your doctor will closely monitor your blood cell counts while you take Cimzia.
  • Allergy to Cimzia or other TNF blockers. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Cimzia before, or if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients, your doctor won’t prescribe Cimzia. Cimzia is a type of drug called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to another TNF blocker (such as Humira or Remicade), your doctor will decide whether Cimzia is right for you.
  • Sensitivity to latex. Your doctor won’t prescribe the Cimzia prefilled syringe if you’re sensitive to latex. The cap of the prefilled syringe contains a natural rubber latex. This could cause an allergic reaction.
  • Pregnancy. It’s not known if Cimzia is safe to use during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor before starting Cimzia if you are or could get pregnant. For more information, see the “Cimzia and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s unknown if it’s safe to use Cimzia while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Cimzia and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Cimzia, see the “Cimzia side effects” section above.

Do not use more Cimzia than your doctor recommends.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Cimzia vials and prefilled syringes will have an expiration date printed on the label. The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Cimzia vials and prefilled syringes should be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep them in their carton to protect them from light. Do not freeze Cimzia.

You can keep Cimzia prefilled syringes at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) for up to 7 days if needed. This might be helpful if you’re traveling and need to take your Cimzia dose while you’re away. Be sure to keep the syringes in their carton to protect them from light.

If necessary, unopened Cimzia vials can be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) for up to 6 months.

If Cimzia vials or prefilled syringes have been stored at room temperature, do not put them back in the refrigerator.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Cimzia and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

The FDA website provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.