eripheral nervous system demyelinating disorders. Rare cases of neurological disorders, including seizure disorder, optic neuritis, and peripheral neuropathy have been reported in patients treated with CIMZIA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
5.7 Hematological Reactions
Rare reports of pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia, have been reported with TNF blockers. Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia (e.g., leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia) have been infrequently reported with CIMZIA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The causal relationship of these events to CIMZIA remains unclear.
Although no high risk group has been identified, exercise caution in patients being treated with CIMZIA who have ongoing, or a history of, significant hematologic abnormalities. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on CIMZIA. Consider discontinuation of CIMZIA therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.
5.8 Use with Biological Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (Biological DMARDs)
Serious infections were seen in clinical studies with concurrent use of anakinra (an interleukin-1 antagonist) and another TNF blocker, etanercept, with no added benefit compared to entanercept alone. A higher risk of serious infections was also observed in combination use of TNF blockers with abatacept and rituximab. Because of the nature of the adverse events seen with this combination therapy, similar toxicities may also result from the use of CIMZIA in this combination. Therefore, the use of CIMZIA in combination with other biological DMARDs is not recommended [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
5.9 Autoimmunity
Treatment with CIMZIA may result in the formation of autoantibodies and rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. If a patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with CIMZIA, discontinue treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
5.10 Immunizations
No data are available on the response to vaccinations or the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving CIMZIA. Do not administer live vaccines or attenuated vaccines concurrently with CIMZIA.
5.11 Immunosuppression
Since TNF mediates inflammation and modulates cellular immune responses, the possibility exists for TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, to affect host defenses against infections and malignancies. The impact of treatment with CIMZIA on the development and course of malignancies, as well as active and/or chronic infections, is not fully understood [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2, 5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The safety and efficacy of CIMZIA in patients with immunosuppression has not been formally eva luated.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
The most serious adverse reactions were:
Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
In premarketing controlled trials of all patient populations combined the most common adverse reactions (≥ 8%) were upper respiratory infections (18%), rash (9%) and urinary tract infections (8%).
Adverse Reactions Most Commonly Leading to Discontinuatio |
