Cimzia affects your immune system. Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur.
Your risk of infection may be higher if you have diabetes, HIV, a weak immune system, hepatitis B, chronic infections, if you use certain medications, or if you live in or travel to certain areas.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, diarrhea, night sweats, flu symptoms, or skin sores.
Using Cimzia may also increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including a rare fast-growing type of lymphoma that can be fatal.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with Cimzia.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Cimzia if you are allergic to certolizumab. You may not be able to use Cimzia if you have symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, cough, skin sores, shortness of breath, weight loss, diarrhea, or painful urination.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, or anyone in your household has tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have recently traveled. Tuberculosis and some fungal infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.
Cimzia may cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that can be fatal. This has occurred mainly in teenagers and young men with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. However, anyone with an inflammatory autoimmune disorder may have a higher risk of lymphoma. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a chronic infection;
hepatitis B (or if you are a carrier of the virus);
lymphoma or other types of cancer;
a blood cell disorder;
congestive heart failure;
a seizure;
an allergy to latex;
numbness or tingling, or a nervous system disorder such as multiple sclerosis; or
if you are scheduled to receive any vaccines, or have recently been vaccinated with BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin).
It is not known whether Cimzia will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of Cimzia on the baby.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Cimzia is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How is Cimzia given?
Before you start treatment with Cimzia, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Cimzia is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Cimzia is usually given every 2 to 4 weeks. You may need to use more than 1 injection to get a full dose. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Cimzia if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Cimzia can increase your risk of bleeding or infection by changing the way your immune system works. You will need frequent medical tests.
Store Cimzia in its original carton in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze.
Take the syringe out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before injecting your dose.
Unopened prefilled syringes may also be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days, away from heat and light. Throw away any prefilled syringe not used within 7 days. Do not put it back in the refrigerator.
Each prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, using Cimzia can cause this virus to become active or get worse. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after you stop.
