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Does Cimzia (certolizumab) make you gain weight?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 20, 2022.

Does Cimzia (certolizumab) cause gain weight or weight loss?

Official answer

by Drugs.com
  • 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

References
  • Cytokines, Inflammation and Pain: [Accessed October 21, 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2785020/
  • Long‐term safety of certolizumab pegol in plaque psoriasis: pooled analysis over 3 years from three phase III, randomized, placebo‐controlled studies: [Accessed October 21, 2022]
  • FDA Cimzia Prescribing Information: [Accessed October 21, 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/125160s293lbl.pdf

Read next

How long does Cimzia take to work?

Cimzia injection can work as fast as 1 or 2 weeks in some people for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Its full effectiveness can range from 4 months to 1 year based on your specific medical condition. Continue reading

What's the difference between Cimzia and Humira?

Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) and Humira (adalimumab) are two different medicines but they are from the same class of medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors or blockers. Both medicines are approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis, but Humira also treats several other autoimmune inflammatory diseases as well. For some diseases, Humira is safe for children, while Cimzia is only indicated for adults. Continue reading

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. 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. Continue reading

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