Key facts about Certolizumab Pegol
What dosages is Certolizumab Pegol available in?
Certolizumab Pegol is available as a 200 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe and vial.
What is Certolizumab Pegol used for?
Certolizumab Pegol is a TNF blocker and is used for the following:
- Moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease
- Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
- Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)
- Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO)
How does Certolizumab Pegol work?
Certolizumab Pegol is a type of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). More specifically, it’s a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. TNF is a protein in the body that plays a key role in inflammation. By blocking TNF, Certolizumab Pegol lowers inflammation in your body to treat symptoms caused by autoimmune conditions.
How do I take Certolizumab Pegol?
Certolizumab Pegol is dosed as follows:
- Crohn’s disease: The typical starting dose is 400 mg injected under the skin every 2 weeks for 3 doses. If Certolizumab Pegol (certolizumab) works well for you after those fist few doses, then you’ll switch to a maintenance dose of 400 mg every 4 weeks to control your symptoms
- Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial
- spondyloarthritis: The typical starting dose is 400 mg injected under the skin every 2 weeks for 3 doses. Afterwards, you’ll switch to a maintenance dose of 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks
- Plaque psoriasis: The typical dose is 400 mg injected under the skin every 2 weeks. If you weigh 198 lbs or less, your provider might consider an alternative dosing schedule (400 mg injected under the skin every 2 weeks for 3 doses, then 200 mg every 2 weeks)
Is it safe for me to take Certolizumab Pegol?
Certolizumab Pegol is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Certolizumab Pegol Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Certolizumab Pegol:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Rash
- Urinary tract infections
Certolizumab Pegol Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Certolizumab Pegol. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious infections: fever, difficulty breathing, cough, weakness, sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach pain, burning when you urinate, urinating more frequently
- Heart failure: shortness of breath; swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet; irregular heartbeat; inability to exercise; tiredness; weakness
- Possible signs of cancer: loss of appetite; fatigue; lumps on skin; swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin; weight loss; nosebleeds
- Allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty breathing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Certolizumab Pegol
There are no major drug interactions listed for Certolizumab Pegol. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Who makes Certolizumab Pegol?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Certolizumab Pegol safe in pregnancy?
You and your doctor should decide if you should continue to take Certolizumab Pegol while you are pregnant. It is not known if Certolizumab Pegol will harm your unborn baby. Pregnancy Registry: If you become pregnant during treatment with Certolizumab Pegol, talk to your healthcare provider about registering in the pregnancy exposure registry for Certolizumab Pegol. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-877-311-8972. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of Certolizumab Pegol during pregnancy.You and your doctor should decide if you should continue to take Certolizumab Pegol while you are pregnant. It is not known if Certolizumab Pegol will harm your unborn baby. Pregnancy Registry: If you become pregnant during treatment with Certolizumab Pegol, talk to your healthcare provider about registering in the pregnancy exposure registry for Certolizumab Pegol. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-877-311-8972. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of Certolizumab Pegol during pregnancy.
