See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Cimzia Injection treatments.
Cimzia is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:
- moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- active psoriatic arthritis
- active ankylosing spondylitis
- moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD) with an inadequate response to conventional therapies
- moderately to severely active plaque psoriasis (PSO) with a candidacy for systemic therapy or phototherapy
- inflammatory arthritis [non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)]
What is Cimzia?
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is an injectable biologic medication that is FDA-approved for use for patients who are at least 18 years of age. Cimzia contains the active drug certolizumab. This medication binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), blocking its ability to trigger inflammation.
Cimzia Injection Dosage & Administration
Cimzia is available in two forms:
- A solution within a single-dose prefilled syringe that may be administered by a medical professional or at home by the patient. Each prefilled syringe holds 200mg of medication.
- A single-dose vial of Cimzia powder that a medical professional combines with sterile water before extracting it from the vial into a syringe for injection.
Cimzia injection sites include the front of the thighs and abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the navel. Cimzia is injected subcutaneously. Each new injection point must be at least 1 inch away from the last site used.
Dose and Frequency
Initially patients receive two 200mg injections of Cimzia. They receive the same 400mg dose again two weeks later and the third two injection dose two weeks after that.
Following the initial three doses, patients begin their Cimzia maintenance program. Maintenance doses are typically one injection every two weeks or two injections every four weeks.
Cimzia Side Effects
Since Cimzia must decrease the effectiveness of the immune system to reduce inflammation, fighting off an infection can be more difficult. Patients need to inform their physician if they have any signs indicating an infection. Some of these signs include a cough, fever, or a rash that is red or painful. Patients with these symptoms, as well as those who are having surgery, may need to discontinue their Cimzia therapy until they recover from their infection or once their surgery is complete. Additionally, patients who have heart disease or similar symptoms should let their physician know before receiving Cimzia treatment.
Following an injection, individuals experiencing any of the signs or symptoms below should seek medical attention immediately, as this can indicate a serious reaction.
- Hives
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Inflammation of the lips, eyelids, face, or tongue
Mild side effects of Cimzia include a respiratory infection, feeling tired, a urinary tract infection, a headache, joint pain and pain or redness at the injection site. Serious side effects of Cimzia include new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, hepatitis B reactivation, blood disorders, nerve problems that are new or previous nerve issues worsening, serious infections, and hair loss.
Preparing for Your Cimzia Injection
Follow these steps to prepare for your Cimzia Injection:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
- Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Injection.
- Pre-Injection Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Injection tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Pre-Injection Medications
- Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Cimzia Injection may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
- Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Injection as directed.
Hydration and Nutrition
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Injection to ensure you are well-hydrated.
- Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Injection to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.
Prepare for Comfort
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Injection site.
- Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.
Plan for Transportation
- Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Injection, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Cimzia Injection is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
How to Get a Referral for Cimzia
Every Cimzia Injection referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.
Patient information should include:
- Name
- Current address
- Home and mobile phone number
- Insurance information
Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:
- Patient’s name and DOB
- Order date
- Diagnosis
- Physician’s name and NPI#
- Office address, phone, and fax numbers
- Provider’s signature
Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:
- moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- active psoriatic arthritis
- active ankylosing spondylitis
- moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (CD) with an inadequate response to conventional therapies
- moderately to severely active plaque psoriasis (PSO) with a candidacy for systemic therapy or phototherapy
- inflammatory arthritis [non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)]
If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Cimzia treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.
Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Cimzia treatments because:
- ALL private suites
- Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
- Evening & weekend appointments
- Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
- Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks
Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?
Interested?
IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.