About certolizumab pegol
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker
Used for
- Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis
- Plaque psoriasis
- Crohn’s disease
Usual adult dose
Usually 400 mg under the skin at weeks 0, 2, and 4, then 200 mg every two weeks or 400 mg every four weeks; schedules vary by condition.
Common side effects
- Upper respiratory infections
- Injection-site reactions
- Headache
- Rash
Important warnings
- May cause serious infections, including tuberculosis; screening is required before treatment.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
- Rarely causes severe allergic reactions or nervous-system disorders.
- May increase risk of certain cancers; report unusual symptoms.
Pregnancy
May be used when needed; discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare professional. It can cross the placenta, especially later in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Limited evidence suggests low transfer into breast milk; discuss use with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Other biologic immune-suppressing medicines may increase serious infection risk.
- Live vaccines may cause infection and should be avoided.
- Concurrent immunosuppressants may increase infection risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.