Certolizumab and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Dav...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 9, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Cimzia for about 10 years. I tried Enbrel, and it worked for about 2 months, then went on Humira, and it worked for about 6 months. After that, I was put on Cimzia and have had the very best results for the last 10 years. I pretty much do everything I was doing before RA, and it was very bad at one time, my pain was unbearable at one time. I have had some weight gain (10-15 lbs), but that is fine with me, my lab work comes back great every time."

• Por...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "DMARDs were not working, and the rheumatologist said MTX was too damaging to the liver. I was leery of trying biologics because I gain weight with every new drug I try. Cimzia has given me my life back, but I have gained 15-20 lbs. I had a gastric sleeve done 3 years ago and maintained the same weight for 2 years. The weight came on from this drug. Cimzia does cause weight gain. Maybe you will or will not gain weight. These biologics affect your body chemistry and metabolism. I am depressed about it. But I am working on getting the weight off. I heard others say do not bother, it will not come off till you stop the medicine. I would rather be pain-free and have a stomach roll than crippled and depressed from pain. I have no other side effects from it. The first few starting doses, I had a lot of fatigue for a few days. That went away. Good luck. Remember, not everyone gains weight. I just know it did it with me in particular."

• Aim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 15, 2019

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I was so hesitant to use Cimzia as I was so scared I would get sick and all the associated risks and side effects of an immune suppressant. Well, in 3 weeks it was for the first time in 2 years being pain-free. I did feel exhausted and gained weight, whether it was because I lost my will to exercise or the medication directly. I was pain-free and I never got sick. Almost 2 years in and I have not even had a cold, one ache, or pain, etc. I have now changed my diet and forced myself to focus a bit more on my weight, vitamins to increase my energy, and feel the best I have felt in 3 years! I am still on Cimzia, however, I am trying to lower my dose."

• JAC...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Cimzia put my RA into remission. Before I started this drug, I thought I would be coping with joint pain for the rest of my life. Now, I function normally for the most part. I haven't really experienced any side effects with this medication, except for a bit of weight gain."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Today I stopped taking Cimzia. I experienced severe fatigue unlike I have ever had, plus I gained 15 lb and developed a skin condition from it. I’m very pleased to get off this drug. I couldn’t tell it did much for my RA either."

• 4...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I read some reviews on the drug and wondered if it’s helpful how come some people remain on it for 10 years. If there’s no inflammation, why stay on it if it suppresses the immune system? This is what scares me with this drug. I am also taking methotrexate, so I’m not sure which one is working. I was coughing up blood for over a week and called the doctor’s office, who said Cimzia has no side effects, so I should call my primary care doctor to get evaluated. Has anyone experienced bleeding while on the medication? Weight gain I know is one, and perhaps blurred vision, not sure. I have found relief, but like I said, not sure which drug is responsible."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2021

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I've tried Humira, Symphoni Aria, Remicade, and Concentrix. Remicade worked the best, but it only lasted for about three weeks, and I could only get the infusion every six weeks. Now my doctor has switched me to Cimzia. I've only had three doses, but so far the result has been far less than I had hoped. My back pain has increased threefold, and I've gained at least 6 pounds. I feel tired all the time. Some folks report it took up to 12 weeks to feel better, so I feel like I should give it some more time, but at this point, I wish I were back on the Remicade. At least I was getting relief for three weeks out of every six."

• Anonymous
• November 19, 2011

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "GREAT. Feel better than ever using this medicine, and the only side effect was some weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Fast and great relief from RA. My scalp psoriasis came back and have been diagnosed with hypothyroid and had weight gain."