What is Cimzia? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Cimzia

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

• Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect the medicine from direct light. Keep your medicine in its original package until you are ready to use it. You may also store the prefilled syringe at room temperature for up to 7 days. Do not put it back in the refrigerator once stored at room temperature. Throw away any unused medicine after 7 days.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. If you need to use more than 1 dose of this medicine, inject the second dose at a different site in your stomach or upper thighs.

• Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe. It should be clear to slightly yellow in color. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy or discolored, or has large particles in it.

• Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before you use it. Do not warm it in any other way.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually given in the stomach or upper thighs.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cimzia

Cimzia contraindications - Who shouldn't take Cimzia?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to certolizumab.

Cimzia warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, congestive heart failure, blood or bone marrow problems, or any type of infection (including hepatitis B or tuberculosis). Tell your doctor if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or a similar nervous system problem. Also tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of infection (including bacteria, virus, or fungus infections)Increased risk of cancer (including lymphoma, leukemia, or skin cancer)Congestive heart failureLupus-like syndrome

• You will need a skin test for tuberculosis (TB) before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive TB skin test or been exposed to TB.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Swollen lymph glands in your neck, armpits, or groin

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Cimzia interactions & what to avoid when taking Cimzia

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

• Some medicines can affect how certolizumab works. Tell your doctor if you are using abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, methotrexate, natalizumab, rituximab, or a steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, or prednisone).

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.