Does Cimzia (certolizumab) make you gain weight?

• No, in clinical trials Cimzia did not show weight gain or weight loss as a general side effect.

Sometimes weight gain or weight loss may be a symptom of a more serious side effect such as heart failure or serious infection, so it is important to watch for any weight changes. If you have any signs of heart failure or serious infection you should call your doctor immediately.

Weight Gain

If you are on Cimzia and have sudden weight gain, along with swollen ankles or feet with shortness of breath, it could be due to fluid retention from heart failure. This can be a serious side effect of Cimzia so it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

Weight Loss

If you have weight loss, this can be a sign of a serious infection, which is a side effect of Cimzia. You should call your doctor immediately if you have weight loss or any of these symptoms:

• fever, sweat, or chills
• muscle aches
• blood in phlegm
• warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
• diarrhea or stomach pain
• burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal
• feeling very tired.

Cimzia can lower your immune system's ability to fight infections which means any infection may become more severe or serious and could result in hospitalization or death.

Bottom line:

Although Cimzia did not cause weight gain or weight loss as a general side effect, if you do have unexpected changes to your weight while being treated with Cimzia it is important to discuss this with your health professional.

For more information on Cimzia side effects click here: Cimzia Side Effects