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Certolizumab Pegol

Pronounced

"SER-toe-LIZ-oo-mab"

Common brand names:

Cimzia

Uses

This medication is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis). Some brands may also be used to treat a certain type of spine condition (axial spondyloarthritis) or a certain bowel condition (Crohn's disease). Certolizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It works by blocking TNF, a substance made by the body that causes inflammation.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using certolizumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor. The injection is given in the stomach or thigh area. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Take the medication out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the microwave or place it in hot water). Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is sore, bruised, red, scaly, or hard. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on a calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.