LiiRA
  • About
  • The Team
  • Study Visits
    • Starting a TNFi
    • Decreasing TNFi dose
  • Patient Resources
    • Injection Diary
    • Study Drug
    • Cimzia Links
    • TNF Inhibitor Fact Sheet
    • Sharps Disposal
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Information
    • Directions
    • Parking
    • Sites
What is Cimzia?
All subjects enrolled in LiiRA will receive certolizumab (Cimzia) at no cost.  Certolizumab (Cimzia) is part of a family of treatments called tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi)  used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
​

How does Cimzia work? 
​TNFi medications stop the immune system’s attack on the joints. They do this by blocking the action of tumor necrosis factor, which is involved in inflammation.
​

How do I use Cimzia?
Cimzia comes in pre-filled syringe that is injected into the lower abdomen or upper thigh region every other week. Each patient will be shown how to inject the pre-filled syringe by a nurse and will be given proper disposal instructions. Once used, the pre-filled syringe must NOT be re-capped and be place into the given sharps container. Once the sharps container is full, you can dispose of the container by your town or city guidelines. 
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Picture
http://www.cimzia.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/starting-cimzia/taking-cimzia-an-ra-medication

​What are the side effects of Cimzia?
​Common side effects include: 
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Sinusitis
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Skin infections or local skin reactions.
Possible serious, but rare, side effects include:
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Immune suppression
  • Neurological symptoms
  • Cancer
  • Heart failure
  • Lupus like symptoms
  • Decrease in white blood cell count
  • Abnormal liver tests ​

​When should I notify my doctor of side effects?
  • Temperature greater than 100.5, chills, or night sweats
  • Continuing cough, increased sputum, colored sputum, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain
  • Pain with urination
  • A rash
  • Numbness, tingling, or unsteadiness of hands or feet
  • About
  • The Team
  • Study Visits
    • Starting a TNFi
    • Decreasing TNFi dose
  • Patient Resources
    • Injection Diary
    • Study Drug
    • Cimzia Links
    • TNF Inhibitor Fact Sheet
    • Sharps Disposal
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Information
    • Directions
    • Parking
    • Sites