Cimzia for Psoriatic Arthritis User Reviews
Reviews for Cimzia
- Sus...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- September 4, 2021
"I began using Cimzia, my third biologic, in March of 2016. I'd been in a wheelchair for about one and a half years and was very sad. Every inch of my body was affected and in severe pain, especially my spine and pelvic area. I'd been on two other biologics, each for several years, but continued to get worse, especially during the second biologic. Once I started on Cimzia, by the third day I could feel changes in my entire body, like it was waking up, getting stronger, if that makes sense. After one week (seven days) I walked! I began to lose weight and got my life back-something I never dreamed I'd have again. I'm certain the Cimzia gave me a boost in getting my weight off. I even got a knee replacement and started taking water aerobics. In total, I lost 83 pounds. I'm still on Cimzia and doing great! I take two injections each month per Medicare guidelines now, but back before I turned 65, I took one injection every two weeks. I've had no side effects whatsoever. These shots don't burn."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 25, 2014
"Almost instant relief of joint pain and inflammation on first injection, no reaction to needle. Great help from Cimzia Support. Still taking methotrexate weekly injection twice a month, still have inflammation."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- How long does Cimzia take to work?
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- HHa...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- November 10, 2022
"I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in 2019. I tried going the holistic route but eventually started on Otezla. After unbearable side effects and worsening of pain, I began Cimzia in 2020. This drug has changed my life. I am completely pain-free, able to work out (hard) 7 days a week, and have had no side effects. My inflammation levels have returned to normal. I haven’t had any infections or colds or illnesses. Bring the pre-filled syringe to room temperature (30 minutes), and the injection is painless."
- Ste...
- January 12, 2021
"Horrible experience after 3rd loading dose injection of Cimzia. Feel sick in lower abdomen and bladder is bloated. Severe IBS pain, bloating, mucous-diarrhea, constipation, and more pain. Very upsetting, and rheumatologist just said go to ER for help during a pandemic. No help on symptoms or coaching. I do not believe that 94% of patients stay on this med. What a pity. I really needed it. Haven’t eaten in 2 days. Never took the 1st monthly injection after the 3rd loading dose. It’s a dangerous med."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Ibu...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 17, 2023
"I have used Cimzia for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, in my case a swelling of the tendons in my hands causing restrictive movement and severe pain, and have taken now 7 injections. After the first, I felt there was an improvement in tendon pain within a couple of days after the initial injection, though this didn't last more than a week. The second injection gave a similar result but lasted only 3 days, with the subsequent treatments making no discernible difference to pain or movement. Side effects, 2 days from injection, I became short of breath after minor exertion, climbing a set of stairs left me breathing heavily. This shortness of breath continued for a further 2 days but then subsided. The second injection saw a repeat of this shortness of breath after 2 days, which again subsided. Subsequent injections also caused shortness of breath, but now with chest pain and now within 1 day. There was no more improvement in pain, so I stopped treatment."
- Cas...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- May 6, 2024
"I've been suffering with pain from Psoriatic Arthritis, as well as many other conditions, since 2005. When my Rheumatologist started me on Cimzia several years ago, I began to notice improvement in about two weeks and continuous use after that helps manage my PsA symptoms excellently."
More FAQ
- Does Cimzia cause hair loss?
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- Can Cimzia cause skin problems?
- What is the mechanism of action for Cimzia?
- Ter...
- February 22, 2017
"Been on Cimzia for almost 3 treatments, i.e., 3 months. It caused me a terrible migraine and never resolved the psoriasis on my hands. It caused pain and inflammation in my left arch and heel of my foot that radiated pain up the leg and into the hip that I just received a cortisone injection in. The pain is quite severe and lasts for at least 5 days after my treatments. I still experience arthritis stiffness and pain in my fingers and toes. I will now be trying Otezla, which sounds quite scary to take, but I will give it a try."
- Itc...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 12, 2019
"Cimzia worked well to treat my psoriatic arthritis, but never really cleared my psoriasis. After a bout of strep, my entire body became inflamed, and I had to switch to Taltz (entirely different family than Cimzia). Total of 2.5 years on Cimzia. Then last year, they changed their savings card from an RX bin to a preloaded Visa. I had to call every month to load the savings card, then I had to call the specialty pharmacy every month to refill my prescription. Total of about 45 minutes to an hour a month to get it all processed. Was much more difficult than the Humira and Enbrel process. Was very annoying. When I voiced my frustration with the Cimzia savings card team, they were snippy and said, 'Well, you're getting $750 in free medicine.' Which was incorrect, I'm lucky to have good insurance, so it would have only been a $25 copay. Looking back, it would have been beneficial to dump the savings plan and pay the $25 to avoid frustrations."
- gon...
- March 11, 2016
"I had 2 injections, and now I have pharyngeal edema, a very hoarse, gravelly voice, a horrible dry cough, fluid in one lung, swollen feet, and uncontrolled diarrhea at times. I was given 2 injections when this all started. I have been on Enbrel, Humira, Simponi, and Remicade (also caused cough but went away when I quit the infusions), and Methotrexate. I am back on Methotrexate with a higher dose than before and doing fine, but my doctor is very worried about the leftover symptoms from the Cimzia. He put me on a Z-Pak 3 days ago and hopes this will take care of the infection and clear my lung."
- Tur...
- September 30, 2019
"Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis almost 2 years ago. 1st Dr. put me on methotrexate and prednisone. Didn't do anything for the pain and stiffness. Moved and got with a new Dr. Was screened and started on Cimzia. Worked GREAT! Dr. closed his practice and I have to go to a different Dr. Took 6 months to get in with my current Dr. Had to get a new schedule of treatment and restarted the Cimzia. Loading doses aren't as effective as before, hoping the meds will take hold soon. Cannot use my right thumb due to an inability to flex the thumb joints. Sucks when it's your dominant hand. Hoping the Cimzia will be able to reduce the issues with my hands soon."
- DPD...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 20, 2023
"I have had 2/4 of my loading doses. I am experiencing increased urination, bladder pain, folliculitis, and sore throat. I visited my doctor yesterday, who drew labs but did not seem concerned. I hope these side effects subside because they are disruptive to me."
- Sun...
- October 18, 2017
"Finished 3 loading doses over the past month, now on monthly maintenance. Psoriasis on hands/elbows/feet still bad and my pain from psoriatic arthritis still fairly bad, but I am more mobile, though it hurts to move. Tried methotrexate, Humira, and Otezla in the past. Sick with a cold, we'll see how this treatment goes. Hoping for better results with more time."
- Doc...
- January 29, 2018
"The first day I had an injection, it was like a miracle cure! My psoriatic arthritis was almost non-existent. Unfortunately, the effects wore off after a few weeks, and by the third month, it wasn't doing much of anything at all. Very disappointing - I'm back to the drawing board in finding something that will help."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 26, 2020
"My psoriasis flared and became the worst I have had in the 30 years I have had it. Also, I have had a significant increase in my lower back and hip pain. I have been having injections in my hips every two weeks."
- Voo...
- April 19, 2015
"After exhausting other options, medications I am now on Cimzia. It works as well as most, better than some. Ease of use could be better. Support is great."
- Big...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 29, 2022
"Cimzia made my psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis worse. Caused psoriasis flare in areas never before affected. Made walking difficult due to enthesitis exacerbated by Cimzia."
- zap...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- November 9, 2019
"I have tried everything for psoriatic arthritis. I felt for a short time that Cimzia worked, then my psoriasis got worse than ever. I stopped it and started again. Nothing has ever worked."
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"I have taken Cimzia for 3 years now with once a month injections. It is a miracle drug. No side effects, no arthritis pain, no psoriasis, and I am physically active every day. I play tennis, baseball, and golf. This is a miracle drug."