CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol) is a prescription biologic medication used to treat several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease. CIMZIA works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that contributes to inflammation.
At Scottsdale Rheumatology Center, patients can receive personalized evaluation to determine whether CIMZIA treatment or CIMZIA injections may be appropriate for their condition. Your rheumatologist will consider your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history, and overall health when developing your treatment plan.
CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol) is a prescription biologic medication used to reduce inflammation caused by autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It works by blocking a protein in the immune system called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which plays a key role in chronic inflammation, joint damage, and pain.
CIMZIA is part of a class of medications known as TNF inhibitors and is commonly prescribed by rheumatologists for long-term inflammatory disease management.
CIMZIA is FDA-approved to treat several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. (RA)
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
- Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)
- Plaque Psoriasis (PsO)
- Crohn's Disease
CIMZIA works by targeting and neutralizing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a protein responsible for inflammation in autoimmune diseases. Excess TNF can cause joint swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and tissue damage.
By blocking TNF activity, CIMZIA helps:
-Reduce inflammation
-Relieve joint pain and stiffness
-Slow disease progression
-Improve overall quality of life
CIMZIA has minimal placental transfer because it lacks an Fc region. Your healthcare provider can discuss the potential benefits and risks of CIMZIA treatment during pregnancy.
CIMZIA may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with inflammatory arthritis. For conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis, treatment with CIMZIA may help reduce joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and other symptoms associated with active inflammation.
The potential benefits of CIMZIA depend on your diagnosis, disease activity, treatment history, and individual response. Your rheumatologist can determine whether CIMZIA is an appropriate treatment option for your condition. Your rheumatologist can help determine whether CIMZIA is an appropriate treatment option as part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan
CIMZIA is a biologic medication that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor class. Other biologic medications may target different parts of the immune system.
The right biologic treatment depends on your specific condition, symptoms, previous treatments, medical history, and treatment goals. A rheumatologist can help determine which medication may be most appropriate for you.
CIMZIA treatment may be considered when inflammatory disease remains active and your rheumatologist determines that a biologic medication is appropriate. CIMZIA may be used for conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Crohn's disease.
If you are searching for CIMZIA treatment, CIMZIA injections, or CIMZIA for rheumatoid arthritis in Scottsdale, a rheumatology evaluation can help determine whether this treatment is right for you. Your rheumatologist can evaluate your condition and determine whether CIMZIA is appropriate for you.
CIMZIA dosing varies depending on the condition being treated. The standard adult starter regimen for several approved conditions is 400 mg at Weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by a condition-specific maintenance schedule.
-Rheumatoid Arthritis: 400 mg initially at Weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by 200 mg every other week. A 400 mg dose every 4 weeks may also be considered for maintenance.
-Psoriatic Arthritis: 400 mg initially at Weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by 200 mg every other week. A 400 mg dose every 4 weeks may be considered for maintenance.
-Ankylosing Spondylitis: 400 mg initially at Weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks.
-Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: 400 mg initially at Weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks.
-Plaque Psoriasis: The recommended adult dose is generally 400 mg every other week, with an alternative initial and maintenance regimen for certain patients.
-Crohn's Disease: 400 mg initially at Weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by 400 mg every 4 weeks when an appropriate response occurs.
Your rheumatologist will determine the appropriate CIMZIA dose and schedule based on your condition and individual treatment needs.
CIMZIA is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
CIMZIA Injection vs Infusion
- CIMZIA is not an IV infusion
- It is given as a self-injection or in-clinic injection
Can CIMZIA Be Taken at Home?
Yes. After proper training, many patients self-inject CIMZIA at home. Others prefer receiving injections in a clinical setting for monitoring and comfort.
- Board-certified rheumatology specialists
- In-clinic CIMZIA injections available
- Calm, clean, and private treatment environment
- On-site monitoring for side effects
- Appointment reminders and easy scheduling
- Personalized treatment coordination
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Rash
- Injection site reactions
Serious Side Effects:
- TB or fungal infections
- Liver issues
- Nervous system issues
- Cancer risk (rare)
CIMZIA may not be suitable for patients who:
- Have active infections
- Have a history of TB or chronic infections
- Have certain cancers or immune system disorders
- Are allergic to certolizumab pegol
Always consult your rheumatologist before starting treatment.
Avoid live vaccines while taking CIMZIA
- Inform your provider about all medications and supplements
- CIMZIA may need to be paused before surgery
CIMZIA may be considered during pregnancy and breastfeeding only under specialist supervision. Your rheumatologist will weigh potential risks and benefits before recommending treatment.
Prior authorization submission and tracking
- Manufacturer copay assistance applications
- Insurance coordination
- Cost-minimization suppo
CIMZIA cost varies based on insurance coverage
- Assistance programs may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Medicare and private insurance coverage may apply
Our team will guide you through every financial step.
- On-site CIMZIA injections
- Copay & insurance support
- Scheduling reminders
- Scottsdale Rheumatology Center, AZ wellness support
- Patient education for self-injection
Is CIMZIA a steroid?
No. CIMZIA is a biologic TNF inhibitor, not a steroid.
Is CIMZIA an immunosuppressant?
Yes, it affects the immune system and requires monitoring.
How long does CIMZIA take to work?
The time it takes for CIMZIA to work can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient. Your rheumatologist can monitor your response to treatment and determine whether CIMZIA is working effectively for you.
Contact Scottsdale Rheumatology Center today to begin your CIMZIA treatment journey with expert care and full support.
Address: 14201 N. 87th St., Suite A-105, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: +1 (480) 571-3060
Website: www.scottsdalerheumatologycenter.com
- Official Website: https://www.cimzia.com
- Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/cimzia.html
- Rheumatology.org: https://rheumatology.org/patients/tumor-necrosis-factor-tnf-inhibitors
