What's the difference between Cimzia and Humira?
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) and Humira (adalimumab) are TNF inhibitors, a class of medications used to treat autoimmune inflammatory diseases. While both drugs are approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis, Humira also treats several other autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Key Differences Between Cimzia and Humira
- Chemical structure: Though both block TNF to reduce inflammation, they are manufactured using different technologies.
- Pregnancy considerations: Cimzia has minimal placental transfer, making it potentially safer during pregnancy. Humira crosses the placenta in the third trimester, which may affect the infant’s immune response.
- Dosing schedule: Both medicines come only as shots that are administered under the skin (called subcutaneous injection). The exact dose and how often the drug is given depends on which disease is being treated. In general, Humira is given every other week and Cimzia is given every four weeks.
Related questions
- How much does Humira cost without insurance?
- What happens when you stop taking Humira?
- What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Efficacy and Safety Comparison
In a head-to-head comparison published in the Lancet in 2016, the drugs had similar efficacy and safety among 915 randomized patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and the non-responder patients in one group were able to safely switch to the other drug.
Side Effects and Risks
Both medications suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients should discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Conclusion
Cimzia and Humira are similar in effectiveness but differ in approved uses, pregnancy safety, and dosing schedules. Talk to your doctor to determine which medication is best suited for your condition.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed. Humira. February 2021. Available at: https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=608d4f0d-b19f-46d3-749a-7159aa5f933d&audience=consumer [Accessed June 24, 2022].
- U.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed. Cimzia. March 2021. Available at: https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b4c2c9dc-a0bb-4d64-a667-a67ebe88392d [Accessed June 14, 2022].
- Vulliemoz M, Brand S, Juillerat P, et al; on behalf of Swiss IBDnet, an official working group of the Swiss Society of Gastroenterology. TNF-Alpha Blockers in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Practical Recommendations and a User's Guide: An Update. Digestion. 2020;101 Suppl 1:16-26. https://doi.org/10.1159/000506898
- Smolen JS, Burmester GR, Combe B, et al. Head-to-head comparison of certolizumab pegol versus adalimumab in rheumatoid arthritis: 2-year efficacy and safety results from the randomised EXXELERATE study. Lancet. 2016 Dec 3;388(10061):2763-2774. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31651-8. Epub 2016 Nov 15. Erratum in: Lancet. 2017 Feb 4;389(10068):e2. PMID: 27863807. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31651-8
Read next
Does Humira cause weight gain or weight loss?
The manufacturer of Humira does not list weight gain or weight loss as a possible direct side effect associated Humira. However, other conditions, symptoms, or medications may affect your weight while you are using this medication. Clinical studies have also shown weight gain with Humira. Continue reading
How long does it take for Humira to work?
Most patients will start to feel relief from their symptoms within 2 to 12 weeks. Your results will vary based on your condition being treated and other factors, such as tolerability to treatment and other medications you may be using. Continue reading
How long can Humira be out of the fridge?
If you are traveling or not able to keep your Humira in the refrigerator, you can store it at room temperature up to a maximum of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) for a period of up to 14 days. Once your Humira Pen or prefilled syringe has reached room temperature, it must be used within 14 days even if it is put back in the refrigerator. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What food should I avoid while taking Humira?
- What are monoclonal antibodies?
- How long can you stay on Humira?
- What are biosimilar drugs and how do they compare to biologics?
- Can you drink alcohol while taking Humira?
- Can you take Humira with antibiotics?
- Can I take Humira after covid vaccine?
- Is Humira an immunosuppressant?
- How do you inject Humira?
- Cosentyx vs Humira: How do they compare?
- Does Humira make you feel tired?
- Does Humira cause hair loss?
- Does Humira cause muscle spasms?
- Is Humira good for treating hidradenitis suppurativa?
- Skyrizi vs Humira for plaque psoriasis - How do they compare?
- Is Amjevita interchangeable with Humira?
- What is the difference between Cyltezo and Humira?
- Who are the actors in the Humira commercial?
- What are the new drugs for plaque psoriasis?
- What are biologic drugs and how do they work?
- What biosimilars have been approved in the United States?
- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- What is the difference between Amjevita and Humira?
- Humira and Pregnancy: What should I know?