Is it safe to consume Cimzia (certolizumab) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Is it safe to consume Cimzia (certolizumab) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

News Article: Potential Risks and Benefits of Cimzia During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certolizumab pegol, marketed as Cimzia, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. When it comes to using Cimzia during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there are several factors to consider.

Pregnancy

The safety of certolizumab pegol during pregnancy is not well-established due to limited data. The drug crosses the placenta, and there could be potential risks due to its mechanism of action, which involves modulating the immune response. Live vaccines should be avoided in infants exposed to biologic therapies like certolizumab pegol until at least 6 months after the last exposure in utero.

However, if the mother's condition warrants continued treatment, the benefits of controlling the disease may outweigh the risks. Decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity of the mother's condition and the potential impact of untreated disease on both mother and fetus.

Breastfeeding

Cimzia is one of the few medications for which manufacturers have conducted studies during breastfeeding. Low levels of certolizumab pegol are found in breast milk, and it is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding. However, monitoring for any adverse effects in the infant is recommended.

The ability to continue breastfeeding while on Cimzia can be beneficial for both mother and child, as it allows for continued maternal care and infant nutrition without significant interruption.

General Considerations

Regular monitoring of both mother and infant is crucial when Cimzia is used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Healthcare providers should discuss alternative treatments if they are available, especially if the risks are deemed too high.

If you're sexually active and can become pregnant while administering Cimzia, discuss your birth control needs with your doctor. If you decide to administer Cimzia while breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend monitoring your infant's health closely.

It's important to note that it's not known whether Cimzia affects how your body makes breast milk, or whether exposure to Cimzia through breast milk has negative effects on infants. Similarly, the safety of Cimzia during pregnancy is not known.

For more information about the Cimzia breastfeeding registry, call the MotherToBaby Pregnancy Studies at 877-311-8972, or visit the program website. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information is subject to change and may not be comprehensive, accurate, or suitable for all patients or specific uses.

[1] Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) Prescribing Information. UCB, Inc. 2021. [2] Cimzia and Breastfeeding. UCB, Inc. 2021. [3] Cimzia and Pregnancy. UCB, Inc. 2021.

1. Cimzia, or certolizumab pegol, is used to treat various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis.
2. The safety of Cimzia during pregnancy is not well-established due to limited data.
3. The drug crosses the placenta, which could potentially pose risks due to its mechanism of action.
4. Live vaccines should be avoided in infants exposed to biologic therapies like Cimzia until at least 6 months after the last exposure in utero.
5. If the mother's condition requires continued treatment during pregnancy, the benefits of controlling the disease may outweigh the potential risks.
6. Decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity of the mother's condition and the potential impact of untreated disease on both mother and fetus.
7. Cimzia is one of the few medications for which manufacturers have conducted studies during breastfeeding.
8. Low levels of Cimzia are found in breast milk, and it is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding.
9. Monitoring for any adverse effects in the infant is recommended when Cimzia is used during breastfeeding.
10. Regular monitoring of both mother and infant is crucial when Cimzia is used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
11. Healthcare providers should discuss alternative treatments if they are available, especially if the risks are deemed too high.
12. If you're sexually active and can become pregnant while administering Cimzia, discuss your birth control needs with your doctor.
13. If you decide to administer Cimzia while breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend closely monitoring your infant's health.

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