 Receiving certolizumab (Cimzia)
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed certolizumab for the treatment of your Crohn's disease. This drug is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker; it affects the function of your immune system and should decrease the inflammation and signs and symptoms of your disease. The brand name of this drug is Cimzia.
How you'll be given certolizumab
Certolizumab is given by subcutaneous injection. It will be given on day 1, then at 2 weeks, and again at 4 weeks. If you have a good response to the drug, you'll need to have the injection once every 4 weeks.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss the appointment for your treatment, contact your health care provider about rescheduling.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects to this medication.
Common: infections (flu, cold, bladder infection), joint pain.
Less common: cancer, nervous system disorders, heart failure.
What you must know about other medications
This drug can't be given with anakinra, another TNF blocker. You shouldn't receive any live vaccines while receiving this drug. Tell any health care provider who's taking care of you that you're receiving this drug.
Special directions
- You'll need to mark your calendar for the days of your drug infusions.
- You'll be tested for tuberculosis before starting this drug.
- Tell your health care provider if you have any signs of an infection—fever, cough, and flulike symptoms—before your injection. You won't receive an injection if you have an active infection.
- This drug affects your immune system; you'll be at increased risk for infections while receiving this drug. Try to avoid exposure to infection—crowded places, people with known infections—while you're being treated with this drug.
- Don't receive any live vaccines while receiving this drug.
Keep in mind
- It isn't known if this drug could affect a fetus. If you become pregnant while receiving this drug, consult your health care provider.
- It isn't known how this drug could affect a breast-fed baby. If you're breast-feeding while receiving this drug, consult your health care provider.
- Report rash, swelling, any signs of infection (fever, sores, cough, flulike symptoms), severe joint pain, bruising, bleeding, numbness or tingling, weakness in the arms or legs, or trouble with your vision.
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