How and where is the Cimzia injection given?

Cimzia prefilled syringes can be self-injected at home or administered by a healthcare professional at their clinic or office.

Where do you inject Cimzia?

Cimzia is injected subcutaneously (this means just under the skin) and there are 2 main areas where Cimzia can be injected:

• The stomach area (your belly) except for a 2-inch circle around your navel (belly button)
• The top and outer part of your thighs, but not your inner thighs or anywhere close to your knee

The easiest way to inject Cimzia under the skin is to pinch up a fold of skin using your thumb and forefinger on your stomach or thigh. More detailed instructions are below. Your healthcare professional can also show you how to inject Cimzia.

To keep your skin from thickening or getting lumpy, try not to inject in the same spot. Instead, rotate injection places.

Do not share your Cimzia injection with anyone. Each injection is for single use only.

How do you inject Cimzia?

Before injecting Cimzia, take the carton containing the prefilled syringes out of the refrigerator. Check the expiration date on the syringe carton and label, and if it has passed, do not use the syringe, contact your pharmacist.

1. Remove the prefilled syringe from the carton, place it on a bench, and allow it to warm to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not try to speed up this process by warming it in any other way. If you are not using the second syringe, put the carton containing the remaining prefilled syringe back in the refrigerator. Make sure the liquid inside the syringe is clear and colorless to yellow and free from particles. Do not inject the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water and dry with a clean towel.
3. Choose your injection site(s) on your stomach or upper thighs (see Where do you inject Cimzia above).
4. Clean your injection site with an alcohol swab. Let the area dry completely.
5. Pick up the prefilled syringe with your dominant hand and hold it with the needle pointing up. You may see air bubbles. This is normal. There is no need to remove air bubbles before giving your injection. Injecting the solution with air bubbles will not harm you. With your other hand, remove the plastic ring needle cover by pulling straight up on the plastic ring.
6. With your other hand, gently pinch a fold of skin at the cleaned injection site. With a quick, “dart-like” motion, insert the needle into your skin at about a 45-degree angle. Release the pinched skin, keeping the syringe in position. Slowly push the plunger all the way down until the syringe is empty. Pull the needle out of the skin and place it in an approved sharps container.
7. Place a dry cotton ball or gauze pad over the injection site for a few seconds, do not rub the injection site.
8. If you are giving yourself a 400 mg dose of Cimzia, then two injections of 200 mg are needed. These injections should occur at separate sites in your thigh or abdomen.
   

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