Cimzia is the brand name for certolizumab, a member of a drug family called tumor necrosis factor blockers, according to Drugs.com. Cimzia minimizes the impact certain substances have on the body that lead to inflammation. This medication is prescribed for patients with health conditions like Crohn's disease or severe rheumatoid arthritis that have not responded to other treatment methods. As with any medication, Cimzia has the risk of side effects.
Most Common Side Effects
Cimzia is administered through two injections under the skin of the stomach or the thigh, according to Drugs.com. The injection can cause tenderness, pain, bruising or mild bleeding. Some users may experience a mild rash or itching at the site of injection but this can happen with any injected medication. Report any unusual or persistent side effects of the injection to a doctor. Other common side effects considered to be harmless unless they become persistent or overly bothersome include stuffy nose, pain in the sinuses, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. eMedTV.com explains that up to 20 percent of people using Cimzia will develop an upper respiratory tract infection.
Signs of Infection
Drugs.com warns that serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur during treatment with Cimzia. Signs of this include fever, sweating, chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, sore throat, flu-like symptoms or weight loss. According to eMedTV.com, Cimzia can worsen an existing hepatitis B infection.
Serious Side Effects
An allergic reaction is possible with Cimzia and signs of this include unusual swelling of the lips, nose or throat; trouble breathing; and hives. Other serious hazards include chest pain, persistent cough, coughing up blood or mucus, swollen glands, or rapid or slowed heartbeat. Drugs.com suggests some individuals may develop jaundice from the medication, impacting their liver. This can cause yellowing of the skin or the eyes and make urinating difficult. Skin reactions that include severe blistering, peeling or redness should be reported to a doctor right away.
Other worrisome side effects can include joint pain, swelling with a fever, muscle aches, nausea, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure, patchy skin color, red spots or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over the cheeks or nose.
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