Self-Administration

What do I need to do to prepare and give an injection of CIMZIA?

Do not use the CIMZIA prefilled syringe if:

• Any name other than "CIMZIA" is on the package and prefilled syringe label
• The expiration date on the container has passed
• The packaging is torn or if the tamper-evident seals are missing or broken on the top and bottom of carton when you receive it. If this is the case, contact your pharmacist.
• The prefilled syringe is frozen or has been left in direct sunlight
• The medicine in the prefilled syringe is not clear to pale yellow, or has large, colored particles in it

Preparing to use the CIMZIA prefilled syringe

Each CIMZIA prefilled syringe package comes with these items in a tray:

• 2 glass prefilled syringes of CIMZIA. Each has a fixed needle.
• 2 alcohol swabs

For each injection you will use:

• 1 prefilled syringe of CIMZIA with needle
• 1 alcohol swab

Preparing to use the CIMZIA prefilled syringe

For each injection you will also need:

• 1 clean cotton ball or gauze pad. These are not included in the CIMZIA prefilled syringe package.
• A puncture-proof container for disposing of used needles and syringes. How should I throw away needles and syringes?

If you do not have all the supplies you need, talk to your pharmacist.

• Each prefilled syringe contains the right dose of medicine for one injection (200 mg).
• Depending on the amount of CIMZIA prescribed by your doctor, you may need to take more than one injection.
• If you are prescribed to take 400 mg of CIMZIA, you will need to take 2 injections. You will need to use two CIMZIA prefilled syringes.
• CIMZIA may be injected into your abdomen or thigh area. If you are prescribed to take more than one injection, each injection should be given at a different injection site in your abdomen and thigh.

Preparing to use the CIMZIA prefilled syringe

Step 1:
Take either one or two CIMZIA prefilled syringes and alcohol swabs out of the refrigerator for injection, depending on your prescribed dose. If there is still a prefilled syringe in the carton, put it back in the refrigerator right away. If both prefilled syringes are used, throw away the empty carton after you finish your injection. (See the section entitled How should I throw away needles and syringes?

Step 2:
Let the medicine in the syringe come to room temperature before injection. This will take about 30 minutes.

Choosing and preparing an injection site

For your protection, it's important that you carefully follow these instructions:

Step 3
Wash your hands thoroughly.

Choosing and preparing an injection site

For your protection, it's important that you carefully follow these instructions:

Step 4
Choose a different site on your abdomen or thigh for each injection. Each new injection should be given at least one inch from a site you used before. If you choose the abdomen, avoid the 2 inches around your navel. Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard, or where you have scars or stretch marks. Change injection sites between your abdomen and thighs to reduce the risk of reaction. You may find it helpful to keep notes on the locations of injection sites you use.

Choosing and preparing an injection site

For your protection, it's important that you carefully follow these instructions:

Step 5
Use an alcohol swab to wipe over the site where you will inject CIMZIA. Do not touch the clean area again until you are ready for the injection.

Using the CIMZIA prefilled syringe

For your protection, it's important that you carefully follow these instructions:

Step 6
Remove the needle cover by pulling straight up on the plastic ring. Take care not to touch the needle, and do not allow the needle to touch any surface. Place the needle cover to the side.

Step 7
Hold the syringe so the needle is pointing up. Lightly tap the syringe to push any air bubbles to the top. Push the plunger slowly to remove any bubbles. Stop pushing the plunger once all of the air bubbles are gone. If a small drop of liquid comes out of the needle, that is okay.

Step 8
Hold the syringe with the needle facing down. Do not touch the needle with your fingers or let it touch any surface.

Using the CIMZIA prefilled syringe

For your protection, it's important that you carefully follow these instructions:

Step 9
Hold the syringe in one hand. Use the other hand to gently pinch a fold of skin from the area you cleaned. Insert the needle at about a 45-degree angle with a quick, short, "dart-like" motion.

Step 10
Release the skin pinch, keeping the syringe in position. Pull back slowly on the plunger. If blood enters the syringe, this means you have entered a blood vessel. Do not inject CIMZIA. Pull the needle out and throw away the prefilled syringe and needle in a puncture-proof container. Repeat the steps to prepare for an injection using a new prefilled syringe. Do not use the same prefilled syringe.

Step 11
If no blood appears, inject all of the medicine in the prefilled syringe under the skin.

Using the CIMZIA prefilled syringe

For your protection, it's important that you carefully follow these instructions:

Step 12
When the syringe is empty, remove the needle from the skin and press the clean cotton ball or gauze pad over the injection site for ten seconds. Do not rub the injection site. You may have a slight amount of bleeding. This is normal.

Step 13
To avoid needle-stick injury, do not try to recap the needle. Throw away the used prefilled syringe and needle in a special puncture-proof container. (See the section entitled How should I throw away needles and syringes?)

Step 14
Repeat steps 5 to 13 above if you are prescribed to take a second injection of CIMZIA (total 400 mg dose).

How should I throw away (dispose of) needles and syringes?

To avoid needle-stick injury, do not try to recap the needle. Before you start injecting CIMZIA at home, check with your doctor for instructions on the right way to throw away your used needles and used prefilled syringes. There may be special state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to get a puncture-proof container (a "sharps"* container) that will meet the requirements of your particular state or town.

When the container is about two-thirds full, tape the lid closed. Dispose of the container as instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not throw the container in the trash or recycle.

Alcohol swabs may be placed in the trash, unless you are instructed otherwise.

Read about the Syringe Disposal Plan

Always keep CIMZIA, injection supplies, puncture-proof container, and all other medicines out of the reach of children.

*By disposing of the CIMZIA syringe in a UCB-provided SHARPS™ container, UCB complies with the California Senate Bill 486 that calls for the safe collection and proper disposal of prefilled syringes.
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