If you have psoriasis (a skin condition that causes red patches on the skin), you might be looking for a way to manage it. There are different types of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is one of the most common ones. It usually manifests as inflamed and scaly spots on the skin. Cimzia is a drug used for treating psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and osteoarthritis. In this article we explore its uses, side effects, dosage, and much more. Keep reading to know more.
What is Cimzia?
Cimzia is a medication used for the treatment of various conditions. It belongs to the category of medicines known as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents. TNF is a protein that is produced by the immune system in response to inflammatory processes in the body. It is a cytokine that regulates many immune processes and is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.
Cimzia is used to reduce symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and psoriasis and to reduce joint pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis. It can also be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
How does Cimzia Work?
Cimzia is an immunosuppressant that suppresses the immune response to reduce inflammation. It is useful for treating moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. It is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Cimzia works by binding to TNF, a chemical produced by the immune system to reduce inflammation. By binding to TNF, Cimzia reduces the immune response and stops the production of new inflammatory cells.
Cimzia Dosage
The dose prescribed to an individual will depend on the condition being treated and the severity of the disease. In most cases, Cimzia is administered once a week by an intramuscular injection. Cimzia dosage for psoriasis: The recommended dosage for psoriasis is 400 mg once every week. Cimzia dosage for Crohn’s disease:
The dosage for Crohn’s disease is 400 mg once every week. Higher dosages have not been proven to be more effective. Cimzia dosage for psoriatic arthritis: The dosage for psoriatic arthritis is 400 mg once every two weeks. Cimzia dosage for ankylosing spondylitis: The dosage for ankylosing spondylitis is 400 mg once every two weeks. Cimzia dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa: The dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa is 400 mg once every two weeks.
Common side effects of Cimzia include headache, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, and joint pain. Taking Cimzia might also result in rare but serious side effects such as infections, allergic reactions, and damage to the immune system. Patients taking Cimzia should be aware of these side effects and report them to their doctor at the earliest.
Who Should Not Take Cimzia?
The drug is not recommended for patients who are allergic to its ingredients or who have severe infections. Patients with moderate to severe infections, a history of tuberculosis, and inflammatory bowel disease should also avoid it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Cimzia.
Is Cimzia a Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
Cimzia is used to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. It is an immunosuppressant, meaning it reduces the immune response to reduce inflammation. Cimzia is usually used as an alternative when other drugs for Crohn’s disease fail to work. It is given as an injection once a week. Patients report redness and swelling at the site of the injection in the first few days after the shot, but these go away.
Final Words: Cimzia: The Drug Used for Treating Psoriasis, Crohn’s Disease, Osteoarthritis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes red scaly patches on the skin. It is not contagious and does not lead to any other diseases. It is most commonly found on the knees, palms, and scalp, but can appear on any part of the body. Psoriasis can be managed with the help of medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. Cimzia is one of the medications prescribed to treat psoriasis. It works by reducing the immune response in the body to reduce inflammation. If you have psoriasis and need a treatment option, Cimzia might be the right choice for you.