Certolizumab Pegol (Cimzia)
Certolizumab pegol is a TNF-alpha inhibitor, a biologic medicine that reduces inflammation by blocking a protein called TNF-alpha. High levels of TNF-alpha cause swelling, pain, and joint damage in autoimmune conditions. Certolizumab is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Crohn's disease. By blocking TNF-alpha, certolizumab helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain and stiffness, and may slow joint damage over time.
How To Take It
Certolizumab is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) either at home or in a clinic. Treatment typically starts with loading doses at weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by maintenance dosing every 2 or 4 weeks depending on your doctor’s treatment plan. The medication should be kept refrigerated and allowed to reach room temperature before injecting.
Safety Information
Infections
Certolizumab affects your immune system, increasing the risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, and other bacterial or fungal infections. Your doctor will screen for TB before starting and monitor for infection symptoms.
Vaccines
Do not receive live vaccines (like Yellow Fever Vaccine) while on certolizumab. Always consult your doctor before any vaccination.
Heart and Nervous System
Rarely, certolizumab can worsen heart failure or affect the nervous system. Tell your doctor if you experience swelling, shortness of breath, numbness, or weakness.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Data from the 2020 ACR Guideline for the Management of Reproductive Health in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases show that certolizumab is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unlike other TNF inhibitors, certolizumab has minimal transfer across the placenta resulting in very low fetal exposure. However, you should still speak with your rheumatologist if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Summary
Regular follow-up visits are needed to monitor how well certolizumab is working and to check for side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, and do not combine certolizumab with other biologic medications unless specifically instructed. Certolizumab can improve symptoms and quality of life for people with autoimmune conditions, but it requires careful monitoring by your healthcare team.
Updated May 2026 by Howard Yang, MD, RhMSUS, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.
This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.