Cimzia and Pregnancy

In animal studies on pregnancy and Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), the medication did not cause any problems when it was given to pregnant rats. Animals do not always respond to drugs the same way that humans do, however, so the full risks of using this medication in pregnant humans are not known. If you are taking Cimzia and become pregnant, notify your healthcare provider immediately.

Cimzia Medication Information

Using Cimzia While Pregnant: An Overview

Cimzia^® (certolizumab pegol) is a prescription medication approved to treat Crohn's disease. It is taken as an injection given by your healthcare provider. Based on the results of animal studies, Cimzia appears to be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are currently unknown.

Pregnancy Category B

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been adequately studied in pregnant humans but do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.

Studies have shown that giving Cimzia to pregnant rats had no negative effects on the fetal rats.

However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to a pregnant woman only if a healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.

Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of Cimzia during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.