ncreased risk for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis). These infections may develop or become more severe if you take CIMZIA. If you do not know if you have lived in an area where histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis is common, ask your doctor.
have or have had hepatitis B
use the medicine Kineret® (anakinra), Orencia® (abatacept), Rituxan® (rituximab), or Tysabri® (natalizumab)
After starting CIMZIA, if you get an infection, any sign of an infection including a fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, or have open cuts or sores on your body, call your doctor right away. CIMZIA can make you more likely to get infections or make any infection that you may have worse.
Certain types of Cancer
There have been cases of unusual cancers in children and teenage patients using TNF-blocking agents.
For people taking TNF-blocker medicines, including CIMZIA, the chances of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase.
People with RA, especially more serious RA, may have a higher chance for getting a kind of cancer called lymphoma.
See the section "What are the possible side effects of CIMZIA?" for more information.
What is CIMZIA?
CIMZIA is a medicine called a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocker. CIMZIA is used in adult patients to:
Lessen the signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active Crohn's Disease (CD) in adults who have not been helped enough by usual treatments.
Treat moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
It is not known whether CIMZIA is safe and effective in children.
What should I tell my doctor before starting treatment with CIMZIA?
CIMZIA may not be right for you. Before starting CIMZIA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
have an infection. (See, 'What is the most important information I should know about CIMZIA?")
have or have had any type of cancer.
have congestive heart failure.
have seizures, any numbness or tingling, or a disease that affects your nervous system such as multiple sclerosis.
are scheduled to receive a vaccine. Do not receive a live vaccine while taking CIMZIA.
are allergic to any of the ingredients in CIMZIA. See the end of this Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients in CIMZIA.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. CIMZIA has not been studied in pregnant or nursing women.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Your doctor will tell you if it is okay to take your other medicines while taking CIMZIA. Especially, tell your doctor if you take:
Kineret® (anakinra), Orencia® (abatacept), Rituxan® (rituximab), Tysabri® (natalizumab). You have a higher chance for serious infections when taking CIMZIA with Kineret®, Orencia®, Rituxan®, or Tysabri®.
A TNF blocker: Remicade® (infliximab), Humira® (adalimumab), Enbrel® (etanercept), Simponi™ (golimumab).
You should not take CIMZIA while you take one of these medicines.
How should I use CIMZIA?
Lyophilized Powder for Reconstitution:
If your doctor prescribes the CIMZIA powder for reconstitution, CIMZIA should be injected by a healthcare provider. Each dose of CIMZIA will be given as one or two separate injections under the skin in your stomach area (a |
