CIMZIA

CIMZIA is a biologic that targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and can weaken the immune system’s ability to combat infections. There have been reports of serious infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria, in some individuals who have taken CIMZIA.

No, Cimzia does not have an impact on your weight. However, it is important to note that if you happen to develop an infection while taking Cimzia, weight loss may occur. It is worth mentioning that Cimzia carries a warning regarding the potential risk of infection while using the medication. For further details regarding this warning, please refer to the “Boxed warnings” section in the above mentioned “What are Cimzia’s side effects?” section.

Cimzia injection has the potential to provide relief within 1 or 2 weeks for individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. However, the duration of its full effectiveness can vary between 4 months to 1 year, depending on the specific medical condition of the patient.

Those who used CIMZIA experienced significant improvement in daily activities, such as bending from the waist to pick up items, gardening, and looking over their shoulder while driving, in as little as 12 weeks.

Although there are no known interactions between Cimzia and alcohol, it is important to note that both Cimzia and alcohol can cause similar side effects, including headaches and fatigue. Therefore, if you consume alcohol while undergoing Cimzia treatment, you may be more prone to experiencing these side effects.

Your CIMZIA medication will be administered by your healthcare provider through a subcutaneous injection. The injection site will be either your abdomen or thigh, as determined by your healthcare provider.

General disorders and administration site conditions: Bleeding and reactions at the site of injection. Hepatobiliary disorders: Increased levels of liver enzymes and inflammation of the liver. Immune system disorders: Complete hair loss (alopecia totalis). Psychiatric disorders: Anxiety, bipolar disorder, and an incident of attempted suicide.

Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) and Humira (adalimumab) are distinct medications, however, they both belong to the same category of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or blockers.

The out-of-pocket expenses for those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for Extra Help differ. Majority of CIMZIA prescriptions, approximately 92%, cost patients between $0 and $200 per month, while the remaining 8% incur an average cost of $1,040 per month.

Enbrel is prescribed for the treatment of specific autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. Cimzia, on the other hand, is utilized to alleviate signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease and to sustain clinical response in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease.

Cyltezo, the first interchangeable Humira biosimilar in the U.S., was launched on July 1, 2023. It is currently approved in low-concentration forms as a prefilled pen (40 mg) and syringe (10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg), all of which are citrate-free.

CIMZIA is typically prescribed alongside methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, if your doctor deems methotrexate unsuitable for you, CIMZIA may be used alone. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe CIMZIA as an additional treatment to your current therapy.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) has announced that AMJEVITA® (adalimumab-atto), a biosimilar to Humira®* (adalimumab), is now accessible in the United States. AMJEVITA was the initial biosimilar to Humira to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016.

Enbrel and Humira have similar mechanisms of action in treating RA, and they share many similarities in their features. However, the ACR 2021 guidelines do not indicate a preference for either TNF-alpha inhibitor, as there is insufficient evidence to suggest that one is more effective than the other.

According to the official answer, Cimzia did not demonstrate weight gain or weight loss as a common side effect in clinical trials.

Although hair loss is a potential side effect of Cimzia, it was not frequently reported among individuals participating in clinical trials for this medication.

Do not consume unpasteurized milk and dairy products, such as cheese made from unpasteurized milk, as well as mold-ripened soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert, and blue cheeses, regardless of whether they are pasteurized. Also, avoid consuming feta and goat cheeses. Additionally, do not consume raw eggs or foods made with raw eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise. Lastly, avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat and fish.

Hair loss, known as alopecia totalis, has been observed in individuals taking Cimzia during studies. This side effect occurred in some individuals who experienced an immune system flare-up. Alopecia totalis refers to the complete loss of hair on the scalp.

Other studies have recently reported conflicting findings regarding the effects of these treatments. Some studies indicate that these treatments may not have any impact, while others suggest that they may even lead to weight loss. A small-scale study conducted on individuals with psoriasis revealed that ustekinumab resulted in an average weight increase of 4.8 pounds over a period of 28 weeks.

At the 6-month mark, 60% of the individuals taking CIMZIA experienced an improvement in their skin symptoms. Additionally, at the 24-week mark, 62% of CIMZIA patients showed improvement compared to only 15% of those who received a placebo. Furthermore, CIMZIA has been scientifically proven to prevent any further damage to the joints, as evidenced by x-ray results at the 24-week mark.

Incorporate whole grains, vegetables, and fruits into your diet gradually, while reducing your intake of saturated fats, processed foods, and sodium. This healthy eating approach can aid in weight loss and alleviate joint strain, ultimately reducing symptoms of RA.

The Cimzia drug label includes a Black Box warning stating that patients who are treated with Cimzia have a higher chance of experiencing severe infections that may result in hospitalization or death. These infections include tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis), and infections caused by other opportunistic pathogens.

Cimzia carries boxed warnings from the FDA regarding serious infection and cancer. These warnings indicate the potential for individuals to develop serious infections while using Cimzia.

Do not inject certolizumab into scars, stretch marks, or any skin that is red, bruised, swollen, hard, or tender. Consult your doctor before getting any vaccines while on certolizumab treatment. Stay away from individuals who are sick or have infections.

Before beginning treatment with Cimzia, your doctor will conduct a hepatitis B test. If you are found to have the hepatitis B virus, your doctor will evaluate whether Cimzia is suitable for you. It is worth noting that certain individuals who have taken Cimzia in clinical trials have experienced elevated liver enzymes, which may indicate liver damage and hepatitis.

Before starting Cimzia, it is important to inform your doctor if you have any nerve conditions such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or Guillain-Barré syndrome. This is because Cimzia can potentially cause nerve conditions or worsen existing ones. Your doctor will be able to assess whether Cimzia is a suitable and safe treatment option for you.

CIMZIA is not addictive and can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription.

By 12 weeks, almost 60% of psoriatic arthritis patients who were taking CIMZIA reported a decrease in joint pain, tenderness, and swelling. Some patients even noticed improvements as early as 1-2 weeks.

Enbrel is prescribed for the treatment of specific autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. Cimzia, on the other hand, is utilized to alleviate signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease and to sustain clinical response in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease.

To treat plaque psoriasis, it is recommended to take Cimzia at a dose of 400 milligrams (mg), which is administered as two injections of 200 mg. This dose should be taken every 2 weeks. However, if your weight is 198 pounds (90 kilograms) or less, your doctor may suggest a different dosing schedule.

General disorders and administration site conditions: Bleeding and reactions at the site of injection. Hepatobiliary disorders: Increased levels of liver enzymes and inflammation of the liver. Immune system disorders: Complete hair loss (alopecia totalis). Psychiatric disorders: Anxiety, bipolar disorder, and an incident of attempted suicide.

Once you finish the initial dosing phase, you have two options for maintenance dosing: either one 200-mg injection every 2 weeks (14 days) or two 200-mg injections every 4 weeks (28 days).

Cimzia is typically listed on Tier 5 of Medicare prescription drug plans. This means that it is considered a higher-cost medication, and you may have to pay more for it compared to medications on lower tiers. Most plans have a total of 5 tiers.