Certolizumab, or rather addressed as its brand name Cimzia ®, is advertised to treat Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and severe plaque psoriasis (a mouthful, I know). Cimzia ® is a monoclonal antibody. Put simply, a monoclonal antibody is an antibody that produces a single B clone through the process of injecting an animal with a specific antigen in which the singularity increases the specificity. Cimzia ® binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) which is a protein that produces inflammation in the body. The diseases that Cimzia ® is designed to treat all have problems associated with inflammation, therefore, when Cimzia ® binds to TNFa inflammation is reduced, slowed, or stopped by blocking its effects.
The official Cimzia ® website lists the following possible side effects:
- Heart failure
- Allergic reactions
- Pain and itching at the site of injection
- Hepatitis B virus reactivation
- New or worsening nervous system problems
- Blood problems
- Immune reactions
- Upper respiratory infections
- Rash
- Cancer
- Urinary tract infections
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Arthralgia
Notably, Cimzia ® has the possibility to worsen previous problems within those looking for treatment. Worsening heart failure, nervous system complications, and Hepatitis B reactivation are all possibilities for those taking the injection. There is also a possibility of immune reactions such as joint pain and rash which are already associated with the infections the drug aims to treat. Another thing to note is how cancer is listed. Seeing as those with Chron’s disease already have an increased risk for developing cancer this is a notable possibility.
The Cimzia ® website advises against taking the medication if you have diabetes, HIV-1, and/or are immunocompromised as you have a greater chance for infection. The website also heavily notes the possibility of developing tuberculosis and/or other infections. This is due to the drugs way of weakening the immune system making it more difficult for the body to fight infections. Cimzia ® impacts the immune system by inhibiting TNF which initiates the inflammatory response. This is helpful as it can block effects associated with the diseases it treats, however this can be dangerous as it can cause the susceptibility to other infections. Side effects, as mentioned before, also include immune reactions.
Kalei is a Scientist 