Sometimes, you and your doctor may decide that Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is not the best choice for the treatment of your underlying autoimmune disease. This fact can be for a variety of reasons, including your age, health status, and stage of life (e.g., pregnant or planning to become pregnant). Possible Cimzia alternatives include the following options.
Cimzia Alternatives
Below are a few alternatives to discuss with a physician.
Cimzia Generic Alternatives
Cimzia is just one type of biologic drug that can be used to help calm down the immune system and decrease inflammation. Other types of biologics exist, though. In some cases, they may be a better option for someone being treated for an autoimmune disorder. These alternatives include:
- Enbrel (etanercept)
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Simponi (golimumab)
However, research suggests some people taking Cimzia for conditions like Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis have better responses compared to taking drugs like adalimumab. Cimzia may also be a safer alternative than other biologics during lactation and pregnancy, although we don’t have enough scientific data to know for sure how safe this medication is for this patient population.
Cimzia Alternatives for Asthma
According to Cleveland Clinic, several drugs may be appropriate alternatives to treating severe asthma and allergic rhinitis. These options include:
- Xolair® (omalizumab)
- Nucala® (mepolizumab)
- Cinqair® (reslizumab)
- Fasenra® (benralizumab)
- Dupixent® (dupilumab)
Experts are still conducting research to determine the safety of biologic drugs like Cimzia for these conditions.
Certolizumab Pegol Alternatives for Psoriatic Arthritis
If certolizumab pegol is not an appropriate treatment option for someone with psoriatic arthritis, other medications may be recommended or preferred, including other TNF inhibitors like infliximab and adalimumab. However, if a person has heart failure or is at increased risk of severe infection, drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be more appropriate.
NSAIDs can be either prescription or over the counter. NSAID options for managing this condition include:
- Etodolac (Lodine)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Certolizumab Pegol Alternatives for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults
Methotrexate [Otrexup (PF), Xatmep, Trexall] is considered the preferred drug of choice for rheumatoid arthritis. This drug may also offer heart-protective benefits, making it a potentially better choice for people at risk for cardiac complications from Cimzia like heart failure.
FAQ
Is Cimzia humanized vs chimeric?
Cimzia is humanized. This term means that it has been made in a laboratory in a process that combines a human antibody with a small component of a rodent antibody.
Does Cimzia lower your immune system?
Cimzia acts directly on your immune system by neutralizing an immune substance that creates inflammation in the body. This process may effectively weaken or lower your immune system, though. As a result, this drug may make you more at risk of illness or disease, including cancer, tuberculosis, and sepsis.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
