Certolizumab (By injection)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to certolizumab.

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. Usually given in the abdomen or upper thighs.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
The medicine should be clear to slightly yellow in color. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy or discolored, or has large particles in it.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect the medicine from direct light. Keep your medicine in the original package until you are ready to use it.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Some foods and medicines can affect how certolizumab works. Tell your doctor if you are using abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, natalizumab, rituximab, methotrexate, or a steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone).
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, congestive heart failure, blood or bone marrow problems, or any type of infection, including hepatitis, tuberculosis, or hepatitis B. Tell your doctor if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or a similar nervous system problem.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Higher risk of infection (including bacteria, virus, or fungus infections)
- Cancer (such as lymphoma, leukemia, skin cancer)
- Congestive heart failure
- Lupus-like syndrome
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, painful urination
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
Joint pain, rash on the cheeks or arms that is sensitive to the sun
Seizure, vision problems, or numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
Swollen lymph glands in your neck, armpits, or groin
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Last Updated: 1/27/2017