Sometimes our immune system doesn't work properly, which can lead to various illnesses. You may have been prescribed an injection called Certolizumab pegol by your doctor for things like joint pain, skin problems, or an intestinal infection. This is a somewhat specialized medication, so it's important to know exactly what it is.
What kind of medicine is Certolizumab? What is it used for?
Simply put, Certolizumab is a drug that helps control some of the activities of our body's immune system. It is commonly used to:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is when our own immune cells attack the joints. The joints become swollen, painful, and stiff in the morning.
- Psoriatic arthritis: This is also a type of arthritis. However, it occurs in people with the skin disease psoriasis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: In this, the joints mainly in the spine become stiff and fused together.
- Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: This is also an inflammation of the spine, but it does not show much difference on an X-ray.
- Crohn's disease: This is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs in the digestive tract, especially the intestines.
- Plaque psoriasis: This is a common skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.
So, this medicine called Certolizumab helps to control these conditions. Your doctor may also use it for other reasons. So if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist. A popular brand name for this medicine is Cimzia.
What are the things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine?
This is very important. Before you start taking this medicine, there are some things you should definitely tell your doctor. Because this medicine is not the same for everyone.
If you have any of these things, be sure to tell your doctor:
- If you have cancer , or have had it before.
- If you have diabetes mellitus .
- If you have a condition that affects the nervous system called Guillain-Barré syndrome .
- Heart failure , which means the heart is weak.
- It's okay if you have Hepatitis B , or if you've had it before.
- If there is any weakness in the immune system .
- If you get frequent infections , or if you already have an infection.
- If you have low blood counts, such as low white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells.
- If you have the nervous system disease called multiple sclerosis .
- If you have recently received a vaccine , or are expecting to receive one soon (especially live vaccines).
- If you have tuberculosis (TB) , have had a positive skin test for tuberculosis, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to certolizumab, other medicines, latex , rubber, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are breastfeeding .
When you tell your doctor these things, he or she can decide whether it is appropriate to give you this medicine or not, or whether you need to take special care.
How should I use this medicine?
This is an injection under the skin. It is most often given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
But sometimes you are taught how to give yourself this injection at home. If so, you need to learn how to prepare it and how to give it properly. It is very important to take this medicine at the right time and in the right amount, as prescribed by the doctor . Do not take it more often or less often.
Most importantly: Do not throw your used needles and syringes in the trash. Put them in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your pharmacy or doctor for one.
When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special leaflet called the MedGuide . Read it carefully every time you get a new medicine, even if you are taking it for a new period. It contains important information.
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician and follow their instructions. Special care may be required.
If you accidentally take too much medicine: If you think you have taken too much medicine, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
One more thing: This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
It is very important to take this medicine regularly and avoid skipping doses. If you are unable to take your injection on the scheduled day, call your doctor or healthcare professional.
If you are injecting at home, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the next scheduled time. Never take a double dose or an extra dose. If you are not sure what to do about a missed dose, ask your doctor or healthcare professional.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
There are some medications that can cause problems when taken with Certolizumab. Therefore, if you are taking these medications, do not take this medicine:
- Other biologic medicines: For example, medicines such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, natalizumab, rituximab, secukinumab, tocilizumab, and ustekinumab.
- Live vaccines
- Tofacitinib
This list may not be complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medicines, traditional medicines, herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements) . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs . Some things can interact with your medicine.
What should I be especially careful about when taking this medicine?
You should see your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or getting better. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine.
Important: You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before starting this medicine. If your doctor prescribes medicine for tuberculosis, you must start taking that medicine before starting Certolizumab. It is important to take the medicine exactly for the full prescribed period.
If you have symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough, do not self-medicate. Call your doctor immediately for advice. This medicine can reduce your body's ability to fight infections. So try to stay away from people who are sick.
Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk. Taking this medicine may slightly increase your risk of developing some types of cancer.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like all medicines, this one can cause some side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Side effects that should be reported to a doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions: Skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Breathing problems.
- Changes in vision.
- Chest pain.
- Joint or muscle pain.
- Mouth sores.
- Numbness or tingling anywhere in the body.
- Signs of an infection: fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or difficulty urinating.
- Signs of liver damage: Dark yellow or brown urine; feeling lethargic, feverish; pale stools; loss of appetite; nausea; pain in the upper right abdomen; unusual weakness or fatigue; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Swelling of the legs or ankles.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Unusually weak or tired.
Side effects that usually do not require medical advice, but should be reported to a doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
- Slight pain, redness, and swelling at the site where the injection was given (Irritation at site where injected).
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor. You can report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store this medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children .
If you are using this medicine at home, store the syringe in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep this medicine in its original container. Throw away any medicine left over after the expiration date.
Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)
Certolizumab is an important drug that can be used to control some complex medical conditions.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, other illnesses you have, and allergies.
- If you notice signs of infection, new symptoms, or anything unusual, tell your doctor right away.
- Dispose of needles and syringes properly.
- See your doctor regularly and check your condition.
If you have any further questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. They will be able to help you. I wish you a speedy recovery!
` Certolizumab, Cimzia, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, injection, side effects
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