What is Cerolizumab?
After other treatments fail, certolizumab can be used to treat Crohn’s disease symptoms. Certolizumab can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of certolizumab.
Side effects of Certolizumab
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately. Serious infections, sometimes fatal, can occur when you are treated with certolizumab. These include: fever, chills, cough, sweating or unusual fatigue, muscle pain, or open skin sores. Other signs of infection may include: painful urination or diarrhoea; unusual tiredness or feeling short of breath; or a loss of weight. If you experience any of the following symptoms of lymphoma, call your doctor immediately
- Chest pain, coughing, feeling of shortness of breath
- This swelling can come and go.
- Feeling tired, having a fever, experiencing night sweats, or itchiness;
- Feeling full after a small meal
- Pain in the upper abdomen that can spread to your shoulder or back.
Certolizumab may cause serious side effects. Certolizumab should be stopped immediately, and you should call your doctor if:
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with mild exercise;
- Pale skin is prone to bleeding or bruising.
- A new growth (which may be red or violet) or a change in size or colour of any mole, freckle, or bump;
- Nerve problems: vision problems, dizziness or tingling, weakness of the arms or legs, or muscle numbness.
- Liver problems: fatigue, nausea, pain in the right side of the stomach, and jaundice.
- Lupus symptoms can worsen or develop. These include joint pain and a rash that gets worse in the sun.
Some of the common side effects associated with certolizumab include:
- Pain or burning after urinating;
- Rash;
- Cold symptoms, like stuffiness and sneezing, may linger beyond just three days.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, reach out to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report them.
Warnings
Certolizumab can affect your immune system. It is possible to develop serious and even fatal infections. You may have a higher risk of infection if: you are diabetic, HIV-positive, have a weak immune response, have hepatitis B or chronic infections; you take certain medications; you travel or live in certain regions. If you experience symptoms like fever, chills, night sweats, or flu symptoms, Certolizumab can also increase the risk of certain cancers, such as a rare and fast-growing lymphoma. This type of cancer is fatal.
Before you take this drug
Cerolizumab should not be used if you have an allergy to it. Cerolizumab may not work if you experience symptoms of infection, such as fevers, chills, and coughs; skin sores or rashes; shortness of breath; weight loss; diarrhoea; or painful urination. Tell your doctor whether you or anyone else in your family has ever suffered from tuberculosis. Tell your doctor about any recent travels. In certain regions of the world, fungi and tuberculosis can be more prevalent. You may have been exposed to these diseases while travelling. Certolizumab can cause a rare form of lymphoma in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. This is more common among teenagers and young males with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Anyone with an autoimmune disease that is inflammatory may be at a greater risk for lymphoma. Speak to your doctor about the risk you face.
As soon as any of the following symptoms develop, consult your physician immediately:
- A chronic infection
- Hepatitis B virus (or if the virus is in your body);
- Cancers such as lymphoma and other cancers;
- A blood cell disorder;
- Congestive heart failure;
- A seizure;
- Allergy to latex
- Numbness, tingling, or a disorder of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome,
- If you have received BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) recently or are due to receive any vaccinations,
Cerolizumab is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. You may have your name listed on a registry for tracking the effects of Certolizumab. You may not be able to breastfeed your baby if you are taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks. Certolizumab cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Certolizumab?
You may be tested by your doctor to ensure that you are not infected with tuberculosis. Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.
Certolizumab can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medicine by a healthcare provider. Certolizumab can be given between 2 and 4 times per week. It may be necessary to inject more than one injection to receive the full dose. Please follow your doctor's instructions for dosage.
Please read and follow all directions included with your medication carefully, should any issues arise please reach out to your pharmacist or physician for clarification. If any inquiries arise please let them be known immediately to them either directly. Prepare the injection only when it's time to give. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed colour, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.
Certolizumab may increase your risk of bleeding or infection. As part of your treatment process, regular medical tests will need to be administered. Keep this medicine in the original container in the fridge. Do not freeze, and protect from light. Before injecting, remove the syringe from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. Prefilled syringes can be stored at room temperature for up to seven days. Keep them away from heat or light. Prefilled syringes that are not used in 7 days should be thrown away. Don't put it in the fridge.
Each prefilled syringe is only for one-time use. After one use, throw away the syringe, even if it still contains medicine. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in an "as sharps" container that is puncture-proof. Be certain to comply with local or state laws regarding proper disposal. Keep the container out of reach from pets and children. Certolizumab may cause the virus to be active again or worsen if you have ever had hepatitis B. You may require frequent liver function testing while taking this medication and for several months afterwards.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a certolizumab dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poison, or for medical advice related to an overdose.
What should be avoided?
Cerolizumab should not be injected into stretch marks or scars or in skin that is red, bruised, swollen, or hard. You should consult your doctor prior to receiving any vaccination while being treated with certolizumab. Stay away from people with infections or who appear sick. Avoid any activity that increases your risk of injury or bleeding.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Abatacept;
- Adalimumab;
- Anakinra;
- Etanercept;
- Golimumab;
- Infliximab;
- Natalizumab;
This list is incomplete. Certolizumab may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible drug interactions.
