Anyone have experiences with Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)?

[Mostmoses]

I have to start this biologic soon and I'm terrified, having had dire reactions to hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate. Stories of first-hand use would be very welcome indeed!

[KittyJ]

If you put that into the search box and filter for NRAS then all the past posts about it will come up😊

[Mostmoses in reply to KittyJ]

Yes, thanks-I did search for older threads. They were helpful but I also really appreciate the fresh replies here. I’ve had bad reactions to other meds (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine) and am pretty neevous about starting this one, so I really appreciate the input!

[Wobbies]

Yes I have been on it for over a year without any side effects. It does help but not enough so I am now changing meds but can assure you I have been fine on it. No extra infections or anything.

[MadBunny]

I've been on it since 2014, when sulfasalazine and methotrexate combo were no longer effective, and I've never had any problems. Of course we are all different but it's made such a big difference to my quality of life. I hope it works as well for you x

[stbernhard]

Hello, I am on Cimzia since 2012 and it's a wonder drug for me. I've always done my best to self manage, but Cimzia enabled me to really get control over my life back. In remission since 2014.I had to stop taking it for 14 weeks twice last year and very quickly realised how much it does for me. Back to swollen joints, pain, fatigue, you name it. Back on it now and nearly back to remission. I hope it works as well for you as it did for me. Embrace it.

[Mostmoses in reply to stbernhard]

Thanks for the encouraging words!

[JulieAndrea]

Hi I’ve been on Cimzia since July 2016. Fantastic drug and no side effects as far as I can tell. Prior to that I was on Methotrexate which was just horrible for me.

I wish you all the best

[bpeal1]

I reacted badly to hydroxychoroquine (horrendous stomach cramps) and methotrexate (extreme nausea and brain fog) but had no side effects at all from Cimzia. Unfortunately it didn’t work very well either so after 12 months we moved on to adalimumab and now I’m on Rituximab.

[Mostmoses in reply to bpeal1]

Thanks! That is reassiring.

[fred42]

I have been injecting Cymzia for 18 months now after trying nearly all DMARDS(horrible side effects) and other biologics, some of which seemed to work but only briefly.

We are all different but Cymzia works well for me and I have no discernable side effects.

I had a loading dose, double dose to start things off and now inject in my stomach every 2 weeks.

I do hope it works well for you.

[lindyloo2018]

HI, I take mtx and hydroxychloroquinne, the mtx makes my mouth sore and gives me oral thrush, I wondered if anyone else had oral problems with mtx ??

I am wondering what I can take instead of mtx...?

RA consultant not interested...or helping..

does anyone have any advice ??

many thanks