Medication Profile: Certolizumab Pegol

Summary or Key Points

Certolizumab pegol, marketed as Cimzia in the US, is a medication used to treat several chronic inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. This article provides essential information about the medication, its dosage, administration, potential side effects, and more. Always consult with your healthcare provider or connect with our telemedicine professionals for personalized advice.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Cimzia
Generic Name: Certolizumab pegol

In smaller font size: The ‘generic name’ is the official, scientific name of the medication, used universally by healthcare professionals. It’s provided in parentheses next to the brand name, which is the trade name under which the medication is marketed.

Pharmacologic Category

Certolizumab pegol is part of a class of medications known as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitors. Other medications in this category include etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), and infliximab (Remicade).

Dosing

Certolizumab pegol is used to treat various inflammatory conditions in adults. Please consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team for individual advice before adjusting your dose. The dosage for specific conditions is as follows:

• Crohn’s Disease: Initial dose of 400 mg, followed by 400 mg every other week.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Initial dose of 400 mg, followed by 200 mg every other week or 400 mg every 4 weeks.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: 400 mg initially and at weeks 2 and 4, followed by 200 mg every other week or 400 mg every 4 weeks.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: 400 mg initially and at weeks 2 and 4, followed by 200 mg every other week or 400 mg every 4 weeks.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Certolizumab pegol is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Injection: 200 mg/mL (in a single-dose prefilled syringe or vial for reconstitution).

Administration Instructions

Certolizumab pegol is administered by subcutaneous injection. This is usually done under the skin of the thigh or abdomen. It’s important to rotate the injection sites to avoid skin problems. For the exact process of administration, please consult your healthcare provider or connect with our telemedicine team, who can guide you step by step.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Certolizumab pegol can have several side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some of the most common side effects and their approximate frequency include:

• Upper respiratory infections (very common): Symptoms might include a cough, sore throat, or runny nose.
• Urinary tract infections (common): This might involve painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, or cloudy urine.
• Rash (common): You may experience red, itchy, swollen, or peeling skin.
• Abdominal pain (common): This may present as discomfort or pain in the abdomen.

Remember, if you experience any of these side effects or have any concerns about your medication, you should reach out to your healthcare provider or consult with our telemedicine team for prompt assistance.

Contraindications

A contraindication refers to a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm it could cause the patient. For Certolizumab pegol, contraindications include:

• Active tuberculosis or other severe infections: Certolizumab pegol can suppress your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off these conditions.
• History of severe allergic reaction to Certolizumab pegol or its components: Allergic reactions could be serious and even life-threatening.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Certain medications may interact with Certolizumab pegol, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing side effects. Some of these include:

• Anakinra (Kineret)
• Abatacept (Orencia)
• Rituximab (Rituxan)
• Tofacitinib (Xeljanz)

Certolizumab pegol in Pregnancy

The safety of Certolizumab pegol use during pregnancy is not fully established. While some studies have shown minimal risk, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team.

Certolizumab pegol while Breastfeeding

Certolizumab pegol is considered relatively safe during breastfeeding as it is not likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream after oral intake by the infant. However, always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine professionals to understand the potential risks and benefits.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Certolizumab pegol, using a GoodRx coupon and without insurance, is approximately $3000 – $3500. This cost may vary based on location and pharmacy.

Possible Alternatives

While Certolizumab pegol can be highly effective, it’s crucial to understand that other treatment options and lifestyle changes may also be beneficial. It’s always essential to discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before making any changes.

• Crohn’s Disease: Dietary changes, stress management, and other medications like infliximab (Remicade) or adalimumab (Humira).
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Exercise, physical therapy, and medications such as methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil).
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Topical treatments, phototherapy, and other systemic medications like methotrexate.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Physical therapy, exercise, and medications like NSAIDs or TNF inhibitors such as infliximab (Remicade).

Recent Updates on Certolizumab pegol Research

Research into the benefits and potential side effects of Certolizumab pegol continues. Recent studies suggest that Certolizumab pegol may be effective in treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, a condition related to ankylosing spondylitis. However, more research is needed to establish these benefits definitively. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team to remain up-to-date with the latest findings.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.