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.
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.
- 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