Cimzia side effects

[julie5515]

I started taking Cimzia for Psoriatic Arthritis in Nov.2020. Since taking it I have developed severe pain in my hands around thumb joints and wrist. Pain level at times is a 9 out of 10. I am sometimes not even able to pick up a fork or brush my hair. The joints in my index finder have swelled enormous. I have never had these issues before. The treatment was started for plaque psoriasis on my skin which has gotten worse since treatment started. Is this normal??

[Durrell]

Hi Julie I’m sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment.. I was on cimzia for RA though! for over 5 yrs & for me it was a dream drug, all my symptoms subsided & I had a good pain free & normal life style, However I do think you should put a call in to your Rheumy team & explain what’s going on with you, as you have been on it over the 3months initial starting time & by now life should be feeling better for you, some drugs can take longer all depending I guess how we are when we start. Put a call in to your team to ask the question & get the ball rolling in your favor.. take care x

[Wobbies]

Hi Julie- you have made me think now. Since I started on Cimzia for axial spondyloarthritis, my back has improved greatly, but I have a real problem with my wrists and thumb joints that I never had before. Cannot use them first thing in the morning to even throw the bedclothes back. My knees have also become very painful. Having assumed it was progression of the disease, I am now wondering if, like you, it is the Cimzia.

[julie5515 in reply to Wobbies]

This is concerning. I didn't have pain so to speak. I was prescribed for my skin and not prescribed a methotrexate. My skin is worse than ever and my hands hurt so bad constantly. I can't brush my hair. I almost wrecked my car because my hands couldn't turn the steering wheel. I go back to Dr. tomorrow. This has to stop!! Thank you for your response!! I hope you feel better soon!!

[fred42]

I have been taking Cymzia since last September, at first with Methotrexate, had 3 wonderful pain free months. Recently stopped Methotrexate because I suddenly developed bad stomach problems but now have painful knees, shoulder and swollen painful hands but assumed it was RA KICKING off again, never occurred to me that it could be Cymzia.Anyone else had problems with Cymzia and do you also take MTX?

[Wobbies in reply to fred42]

Yes I take Cimzia and MTX and have developed wrist problems that I never had before.

[julie5515 in reply to Wobbies]

It has become almost unbearable for me. I hope you feel better soon!!

[julie5515 in reply to fred42]

No I don't take methotrexate?? I don't even know what it is. I will be looking right away. I go back to Dr. tomorrow. I will post what they say. I told comment above that I was pain free before Cimzia it was for my skin. Now my skin is worse and I truly can't use my hands at times they are so painful. I hope you feel better. I will post what doc says tomorrow. Thank you for responding to me!! I thought I was going crazy!!!

[Wobbies]

So sorry. Your skin is nit even better!!!! Still, am sure there is something for you. Please let us know what the doc says. Will have fingers crossed for you. xx

[Whezziewhoozie]

Hi Julie, I am on Cimzia and have also developed wrist and painful hands. I have had MRI scans etc to check it’s nothing else. I would say however don’t take it all for granted getting these biologics is super hard and a lot of people would kill for.

[julie5515 in reply to Whezziewhoozie]

I am by no means taking anything for granted. I am glady willing to give up this particular medication to another person in need. Cimzia just isn't working for me. When I say my pain in my hands is a 9 out 10 that's the god given truth. I am going to Dr. today at 11:00 and gladly will give up treatment if it means I can hold a toothbrush again.

[Cannes4me]

Hi everyone, Just had my second double dose of cimzia and I am having really bad stomach pains, I also take leflunomide 20mg daily and 15mg of pred, I am hoping it will wear off but not sure.

Grateful for any replies.