Does Cimzia cause cancer?

[med6918]

Hi All, I've been on Cimzia for 18 months and doing well. I've been able to reduce but not eliminate my methotrexate and my RA is under control. My concern is the long term effect of using biologics. I've read about and known people that have developed cancer after long term use. Any experience with this?

[helixhelix]

I think this was information that circulated in the early days of biologics, and has stuck. The research it was based on had flaws...

These days the view is that it is having RA increases your overall cancer risks rather than the drugs we take. One scary fact I read was that people with RA who smoke are much more likely to get lung cancer than people without RA who smoke.

Anyway, biologics. There is a small increased risk of skin cancers which is why we need to take care, cover up and use sun blocks. And stay alert to any signs of a skin cancer as they are very treatable if caught early.

Apart from that nothing has been proven. So you are just as likely (or unlikely) to get cancer as anyone else.

[Wobbies]

Hope not. I am on Cimzia. Just had a scare as had a bowel screening test which came up as high risk for cancer. So, GP arranged colonoscopy within 12 days and all OK. Consultant doing colonoscopy said that he did not consider that Cimzia increased my cancer risk when I asked him. So, I will go with that.

[stbernhard]

Hi, I am on Cimzia for 10 years now and it's the drug which enables me to lead a very active live. I am greatful for that and don't think about side effects. I hope it works as well for you.

[Calph]

Hi I have been on Cimzia and Methotrexate for 5 and a half years now and all drugs anybody takes come with a risk. I can function a lot better on the medication than without it so will take the risk and make the most of that.

[2678]

Hi, I was on cimzia for a few months but never helped me. I am on Rinvoq pill now and it has been wonderful.