Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) is a new medication just released to treat the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.  It is indicated for patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease who have tried more conventional therapies but have not achieved relief. There are other drugs in the same family as Cimzia® already available, however, Cimzia® may have a slight advantage. Other drugs in the same family as Cimzia®, like Humira® and Remicade®, are typically given every 2 weeks. Cimzia® can be given every 4 weeks. A disadvantage of Cimzia® is that it requires 2 separate injections with each dose instead of one.

Cimzia®, Humira® and Remicade® are anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs.  These therapies counteract TNF which is thought to promote inflammation in the bowel and cause Crohn’s disease.  Anti-TNF drugs were once saved for use much later in therapy while other drugs like steroids were used earlier. However, experts are finding that using anti-TNF drugs earlier in therapy may provide for longer remissions and allow the lining of the bowel to heal more fully.(1-2)

Cimzia® is provided as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection that is typically given in the doctor’s office. Each dose consists of two syringes of medication that must be injected into two separate sites. Typically the injections are given on the abdomen or thigh. The first dose is given once initially, then again on weeks two and four. If a response to the mediation is achieved, then one dose every 4 weeks is recommended.(3)

Anti-TNF drugs like Cimzia® have serious side effects that should be considered before starting therapy. With Cimzia® the most commonly reported side effects include upper respiratory tract infection (20%), urinary tract infection (7%) and joint pain (6%).3  These side effects are similar to those experienced with other anti-TNF drugs. On a more serious note, it has been observed that patient’s taking anti-TNF medications may experience serious allergic reactions, neurological disorders and may have a higher incidence of lymphoma.(3)

Because anti-TNF drugs can make one more prone to infection, one should not start Cimzia® therapy when an active infection is present. It is also recommended that vaccination with a live vaccine be avoided during Cimzia® therapy. If you are taking Cimzia® check with your doctor before getting a vaccination, such as the flu vaccine. It is also recommended that one get a TB test before starting therapy.

Although there is not cure for Crohn’s disease, Cimzia® provides another option for symptom relief. Regardless of what therapy is used, goals of therapy include improving symptoms, lengthening time spent in remission and improving quality of life.

Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.

Dr. Larson is a Clinical Infusion Pharmacist, author of Empowered Medicine; A Guide for Consumers and creator of www.empoweredmedicine.com. You can read more about her by visiting www.EmpoweredMedicine.com and clicking on the 'About Us' tab.  EmpoweredMedicine.com is committed to providing evidence-based medical information.