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Certolizumab pegol

Posted , 5 users are following.

gemma83759
gemma83759

Hi, a courier brought my first doses of biologic today, certolizumab pegol. I've known I'm starting this for a couple of weeks but now it's here I'm having second thoughts. I deliberately stayed away from the internet and purposely didn't look at the side effects and after drug counselling I felt ok with it. However the pack it comes in insists you read the accompanying leaflet before injecting it. The side effects are as long as your arm!! I will do it, just having a wobble. Anyone on it or been on it lately? Fear of the unknown I think. Thanks in advance for any replies. Gemma.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • sally83545
    sally83545 gemma83759

    Posted

    Hi Gemma!

    first let me say you are very brave to be injecting yourself I don't know if I could go that route! I am noticing more and more these long lists of side effects that accompany my medications. It is scary and gives me anxiety. I started Methotrexate 5 weeks ago and I was terrified! I know I want to feel better though so I sucked it up and started taking it. I know you are going to try it (If you haven't already) and if it is a bad experience I am confident you will be brave enough to try something else. You wouldn't be on this site if you were not wanting to help yourself. You can do this and there will always be someone here to talk to. Good luck and feel better,

    Sally

    • gemma83759
      gemma83759 sally83545

      Posted

      Hi Sally thanks for replying. It was a major wobble but overcame it eventually after pondering at the packet for over an hr in my bathroom lol. The side effects seem endless but at the drug counseling they didn't mention any of them!! No need for regular blood tests either on certolizumab!! Are you taking methotrexate tablets? The self injecting part doesn't bother me it was what was in the vile that was bothering me. I'm grateful for being eligible (or bad enough) to be considered eligible for a biologic in the first place. It's taken almost 7 years of unbearable flare ups and three dmards to get to this point! It wasn't as bad as I thought so onward and upward now. Take care and thanks again. G.
  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie gemma83759

    Posted

    Know just how you feel ,but mine is a different biologic . I ve had no bad effects only good. But there is that element of tiny amount if risk so I know what you mean.

    just empathising with your 'wobble' but you ll do it....! 

    • gemma83759
      gemma83759 Rowbirdie

      Posted

      Hi Rowbirdie thanx for your reply, Yeh it was great of the unknown, did it eventually, felt fine today with no immediate side effects, long may that continue. G.
  • esther77657
    esther77657 gemma83759

    Posted

    Hi Gemma

    I have been taking certolizumab for three years now.  During that time I have had several interruptions in the treatment owing to infections, surgery and pneumonia.  However, from the very first injection my joints felt amazing and I felt as if I had been given my life back!  I have always been susceptible to infections so I don't feel being on the drug has contributed to that at all.  Sadly, for the past 6 months I have been suffering with chronic nasal congestion and at my last appointment, the rheumatologist said that it is a side effect on Cimzia, although an uncommon one.  Like you, I avoid reading the long list!  They suggested prolonging the time between injections to see if the nasal congestion cleared up whilst still managing the disease.  I am reaching the point where the inability to breathe or sleep is making me consider stopping the Cimzia altogether.  It feels such a shame as it has been marvellous for a few years.  What's next? Who knows? I hope it works wonders for you. Keep us posted. Esther

    • gemma83759
      gemma83759 esther77657

      Posted

      Hi Esther, just to say I've finished my three loading doses of cimzia and am now onto single doses, I've had a few things going on in that time, my hair is falling out!! Not talking wigs just yet but my hairdresser commented last week that my hair is def thinner at the one side! I'm hoping that this will ease off now I'm on single doses. I also don't feel able to control my own body temperature I've been feeling so cold, I'm wearing about 3 layers of clothing in the house, it's strange that these things started happening after starting cimzia. Also my teeth have become really sensitive and I've got extremely red cheeks which is unlike me. I'm having bloods done today as a matter of routine. Have you had anything similar? Most of these things are trivial and don't bother me but I'm concerned bout the hair, suppose I need to weigh it all up. G.
    • esther77657
      esther77657 gemma83759

      Posted

      Hi Gemma

      I have not noticed any hair loss on Cimzia. The only symptom I have noticed in common with you is flushing of the cheeks.  I get a bit patchy at times and my face feels as though it is on fire.  Strangely enough, I thought I may be experiencing some menopausal symptoms, but in light of your comment, maybe not! I haven't injected for about 6 weeks now because of nasal congestion which is severe! I have a cold now too which is just compounding the problem.  My joints are still fine though. I am interested to know how your joints are Gemma.  Are you feeling any improvements yet? I completely understand your concern over hair loss and I hope it doesn't continue.  It is such a difficult choice to make; when you're in pain, you feel prepared to make any sacrifice don't you. Once you are experiencing the cost (hair loss, nasal congestion...whatever) you can begin to think that the joint pain was not that bad! Keep in touch and all the best. 

      Esther

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