Can cimzia be used during breastfeeding?

Can Cimzia be used during breastfeeding?

Cimzia contains certolizumab pegol, a TNF inhibitor used to treat autoimmune conditions. Studies show low levels of the drug pass into breast milk, but oral bioavailability is poor, so infants receive only minimal exposure through nursing.

Why do researchers track exposure levels in breast milk?

Researchers measure actual amounts of certolizumab pegol in breast milk samples from women taking the drug. Measurements show concentrations remain very low, often undetectable or below 0.1% of the maternal dose. Poor oral bioavailability keeps infant systemic exposure even lower.

What happens if a mother continues Cimzia while nursing?

Women who continue treatment during lactation report no unusual infant outcomes in published data. The American College of Rheumatology and other guidelines generally support continuing TNF inhibitors like Cimzia during breastfeeding when maternal benefit outweighs risk.

How does Cimzia compare with other TNF inhibitors for lactation safety?

Compared with infliximab or adalimumab, Cimzia shows the niedrigste milk transfer rates. Those other agents also appear safe, but data for Cimzia are more reassuring because they demonstrate explicit zero-to-trace amounts in milk.

When does Cimzia’s patent expire?

Cimzia’s composition-of-matter patent expired in 2015. Biosimilar versions are under development but have yet to enter the U.S. market. [1]

Who makes Cimzia?

UCB Pharma manufactures Cimzia.