Cimzia (Certolizumab pegol) for Spondylitis

Overview
Cimzia is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis and active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in people with objective signs of inflammation. Cimzia is also known by its drug name, Certolizumab pegol.

Cimzia is an immunomodulator, or in other words, a drug that modulates the immune system. It is considered a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Cimzia is a genetically engineered antibody, or protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize substances. Cimzia is believed to work by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a chemical messenger involved in autoimmune attacks.

How do I take it?
Cimzia is administered by subcutaneous injection every two or four weeks.

Cimzia comes in prefilled syringes and vials.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Cimzia lists common side effects including upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and rash.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Cimzia include severe infections, new or worsening heart failure, lupus-like syndrome, blood cell disorders, severe allergic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis, and increased risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma.

For answers to frequently asked questions about exposure to Cimzia during pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit the experts at MothertoBaby.org.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Cimzia.com – UCB
http://www.cimzia.com/