Cimzia

GailLouise

Hello 🙋🏻‍♀️

I am new to the forum, hoping to hear of people’s experiences with RA and Cimzia medication.

I was diagnosed with RA in 2019 at the age of 29. I was prescribed Methotrexate which helped keep me mostly symptom free for almost 4 years. In November 2022 I stopped taking Methotrexate as I hope to soon start a family. I was prescribed Sulfazalizane which had absolutely no effect and I went into a severe flare up. Unfortunately the rheumatology team I’m under were not helpful or understanding, instead insisting I persevere and wait for things to improve. They didn’t and after 8 months I was finally prescribed Cimzia.

From the first dose my RA symptoms disappeared and I’ve been in remission for 5 weeks. I’ve also experienced no side effects - except the fact that I have missed my period. I have read that menstrual disorders/disruption is listed under uncommon side effects (less than 1 in 100 people), so I was wondering if any ladies also taking this drug have experienced the same thing or something similar? I have taken 2 pregnancy tests, 5 days apart and both were negative. Given that I’m taking this medication with the hope of conceiving, I am now worried it could prevent me from doing so. I will of course talk to my GP & Consultant about this, but it would also be helpful and reassuring if anyone is willing to share their experiences of Cimzia.

Many thanks

Gail x

noddingtonpete

Hello @GailLouise and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand that you have been prescribed Cimzia (Certolizumab pegol) but concerned about conceiving. I agree you definitely need to talk to your GP/Consultant but have a look at the following, particularly the last paragraph.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/certolizumab-pegol/

and also the following search results form this community Cimzia there are a few on Cimzia and pregnancy.

I hope that you can get some answers and I am sure others on here will connect with you to share their experiences as well.

Best wishes

Peter (moderator)

GailLouise

Thank you, Peter, for your very kind message and the provided links.