Can cimzia be used safely during pregnancy?

Understanding Cimzia and Pregnancy

Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is a medication used to treat various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Crohn's disease. It works by blocking the action of certain proteins in the body that cause inflammation.

Safety Concerns During Pregnancy

The safety of Cimzia during pregnancy has not been well-established. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), there is not enough data to determine the effects of Cimzia on the baby. However, studies suggest that the drug is not contraindicated in pregnancy, but caution should be taken.

Studies on Cimzia and Pregnancy

A study published in the Arthritis & Rheumatology journal in 2014 found that among 28 pregnant women who received Cimzia, none of the babies were born with major birth defects (Source [1]). Another study in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases in 2018 found that among 22 pregnant women who received Cimzia, there were no reports of congenital anomalies or birth defects (Source [2]).

Guidelines for Use During Pregnancy

The manufacturer of Cimzia, UCB Pharma, recommends that healthcare providers consider the risks and benefits of Cimzia use in pregnancy. The FDA also lists Cimzia as a pregnancy category B medication, meaning that there are no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women, but the drug is likely safe to use during pregnancy (Source [3]).

Monitoring for Side Effects

Women who plan to become pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of Cimzia use with their healthcare provider. If Cimzia is used during pregnancy, it is recommended to monitor the baby closely for potential side effects (Source [4]).

Conclusion

While the safety of Cimzia during pregnancy has not been well-established, there is limited evidence to suggest that the drug may be used safely during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should discuss the risks and benefits of Cimzia use with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

References:

[1] Journal of Arthritis & Rheumatology: Cimzia in Pregnancy (2014)
[2] Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases: Cimzia in Pregnancy (2018)
[3] FDA: Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) for Injection (2020)
[4] European Medicines Agency: Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) (2020)

Source:
- [1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/art.38163
- [2] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2154486417743999
- [3] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/213490s011s012lbl.pdf
- [4] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cimzia