Cimzia (Certolizumab Pegol) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

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Crohn's Disease »

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease (also spelled Crohn disease) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus. It is named after the physician who described the disease in 1932. It also is called granulomatous enteritis or colitis, regional enteritis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis.

Crohn's disease is related closely to another chronic inflammatory condition that involves only the colon called ulcerative colitis. Together, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have no medical cure. Once the diseases begin, they tend to fluctuate between periods of inactivity (remission) and activity (relapse).

Inflammatory bowel disease affects approximately 500,000 to two million peop...

Read the Crohn's Disease article »

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Cimzia Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive certolizumab (Cimzia)?

You should not receive this medication 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 certolizumab, 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. This medication 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 certolizumab passes into breast milk. Before you receive certolizumab, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Treatment with certolizumab 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.

How is certolizumab given (Cimzia)?

Before you start treatment with certolizumab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.

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.

Certolizumab is given as two injections under the skin of your stomach or thigh.

This medication is usually given every 2 to 4 weeks.

Certolizumab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

It is important to use certolizumab regularly to get the most benefit. For best results, stay on your injection schedule and do not miss any appointments.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using certolizumab.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are receiving certolizumab.

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