(Click Cimzia Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Cimzia is made UCB, Inc.
Cimzia belongs to a group of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. There are different types of TNF, and Cimzia binds preferentially to TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is involved in inflammation and other immune system functions. TNF-alpha can contribute to Crohn's disease by encouraging inflammation, and people with Crohn's often have high TNF-alpha levels. Blocking TNF-alpha helps to decrease the inflammation and to relieve the signs and symptoms of Crohn's.
Interestingly, Cimzia is actually a fragment of a human antibody. It is produced in special bacteria that were designed to produce this human antibody fragment. The antibody fragment is then "pegylated," which means it is attached to a polyethylene glycol molecule. This process helps Cimzia stay in the body longer (so it can be taken less often).
Cimzia has been thoroughly evaluated in clinical studies. In these studies, people were given either Cimzia or placebo injections (without any active ingredients). The response to the medication was assessed at 6 weeks and at 26 weeks.
Crohn's disease symptoms were significantly improved in the group taking Cimzia at both 6 and 26 weeks, compared to the group taking the placebo.
When and How to Take Cimzia
Some general considerations include the following:
- Cimzia comes in injectable form. Your healthcare provider will give you the injections. Each dose consists of two injections given just under the skin ("subcutaneously") in the abdomen or thigh.
- The first three doses will be given two weeks apart (at zero, two, and four weeks). If Cimzia seems to be working, it will be continued with one dose every four weeks.
- For this medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not continue to work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard recommended dose for this medication, regardless of your age or weight. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Cimzia may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Cimzia Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Cimzia?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Cimzia if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
The exact effects of an overdose with Cimzia are currently unknown.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Cimzia?
If you do not receive a dose as scheduled, contact your healthcare provider to set up an appointment for the injection as soon as possible.
The unmixed vials of this medication should be stored under refrigeration (not frozen). Once your healthcare provider mixes the medication, it can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours or under refrigeration for up to 24 hours. Before use, it should be brought to room temperature.
Cimzia comes in a kit with everything your healthcare provider needs to mix and inject the medication. Each vial contains 200 mg of Cimzia.
Is There a Generic Version of Cimzia?
Currently, this medication is not available in generic form.
