certolizumab pegol at a glance
Medicine class
Biological TNF-alpha inhibitor
Licensed uses
Rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis in adults
How it is given
Injection under the skin, usually into the thigh or abdomen
Important safety issue
It can reduce resistance to infections, including tuberculosis
What is certolizumab pegol used for?
Licensed uses for the selected product are:
Moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults after an inadequate response to disease-modifying treatment, or severe active progressive disease in previously untreated adults
Severe active radiographic or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults meeting the product-specific criteria
Active psoriatic arthritis in adults after an inadequate response to previous disease-modifying treatment
Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy
How does certolizumab pegol work?
It is a humanised antibody fragment that binds and neutralises TNF-alpha, reducing inflammatory signalling. It has no Fc region and is attached to polyethylene glycol to prolong its persistence in the circulation.
certolizumab pegol preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 200 mg
How to take certolizumab pegol
It is injected under the skin. Self-injection with the pre-filled syringe may be possible after suitable training and clinical agreement. The needle-guard syringe is for healthcare professionals only.
Use the thigh or abdomen and avoid red, bruised or hard skin.
Use each syringe once and follow its instructions for injection and disposal.
Keep refrigerated, do not freeze and protect from light. Follow the product leaflet if it has been removed from the refrigerator.
Do not mix the injection with another medicine.
certolizumab pegol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Injection-site reactions
- Headache, tingling or numbness
- Rash or itching
- Nausea
- Fever, weakness or pain
- Raised blood pressure
- Changes in white blood cells or liver tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe infection, including sepsis, tuberculosis or an opportunistic infection
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- New or worsening heart failure symptoms
- Serious blood-cell disorders
- New neurological symptoms such as weakness, visual disturbance or loss of coordination
- Hepatitis B reactivation
- Lupus-like syndrome
certolizumab pegol in pregnancy
Certolizumab can be considered during pregnancy when clinically needed and has low placental transfer. Discuss pregnancy planning or a positive pregnancy test with the specialist rather than stopping treatment without advice. Tell the baby's healthcare team about exposure because live vaccines may need individual assessment.
certolizumab pegol while breastfeeding
The product information states that certolizumab can be used while breastfeeding. Transfer into breast milk is minimal and infant absorption is expected to be very low. Specialist review remains appropriate for premature or medically vulnerable infants.
certolizumab pegol interactions
Tell the specialist and vaccination team about all medicines and planned vaccines.
Anakinra
Combining it with certolizumab is not recommended because serious infections and neutropenia may increase without added benefit.
Abatacept
Combining it with certolizumab is not recommended because of the potential for serious infection and neutropenia.
Live vaccines
Live vaccines should not be given during treatment. Check with the clinical team before vaccination.
Methotrexate
It may be prescribed alongside certolizumab for some licensed uses. Neither has shown a significant pharmacokinetic effect on the other.
Common questions about certolizumab pegol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is certolizumab pegol an immunosuppressant?
It blocks TNF-alpha and can weaken some immune defences, particularly resistance to infections.
Can I inject it myself?
Self-injection may be possible after appropriate training and agreement with the treating clinician. The needle-guard presentation is for healthcare professionals only.
What should I do if I develop an infection?
Contact the treating team promptly, particularly for fever, persistent cough, urinary symptoms, wounds or feeling markedly unwell.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.