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Cimzia
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is an immunosuppresant, approved by the FDA for the treatment of Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. It is administered through a subcutaneous injection.
The most common side effects of Cimzia are headache, upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain, injection site reactions and nausea. Patients taking Cimzia are at increased risk for serious adverse effects, including serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or death. Because Cimzia affects the immune system, it can lower the body's ability to fight infections, such as tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections. Cimzia is a blocker of TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and may cause lymphomas (a form of cancer) and other malignancies.
Recently, Cimzia was given a Black Box Label Warning by the FDA. The Black Box Warning is the strongest warning label a drug can have applied to it. Drugs that carry a high risk of serious side effects or potentially deadly adverse reactions are given this warning. This label is given only after medical studies have indicated that there are serious risks associated with the side effects of the medication.
Fast Facts
| Name: | Cimzia |
| Generic: | Certolizumab Pegol |
| Manufacturer: | UCB |
| Date approved: | 2008 |
| Status: | Prescription Only - FDA Black Box Warning Label |
| Approved uses: | Crohn's disease |
| Off-Label uses: | None |
| Side effects: | Headache, upper respiratory infections, abdominal pain, injection site reactions and nausea. Serious Fungal Infection possibly resulting in death. |
| Related topics: | Enbrel, Remicade, Humira |
Cimzia Linked to Life-Threatening Cancer Risk Among Children, Young Adults
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is an autoimmune disorder drug belonging to a family of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Recently, Cimzia, along with several other TNF blockers,... read more
Living With Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a physical disorder in which the inflammation of the digestive system occurs. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is from the mouth to the anus, becomes inflamed, especially in... read more
View the Cimzia Main Articles page here
MSN Newsfeeds Related to Cimzia
Early infections may increase arthritis risk
Biologic Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Update CME
View the Cimzia MSN Newsfeeds page here
Books Related to Cimzia
UCB INITIATES ADDITIONAL SHORT-TERM CLINICAL STUDY OF CIMZIA.: An article from: Worldwide Biotech
View the Cimzia Books page here
