Preparation and Administration of CIMZIA Using the Prefilled Syringe

Patients who are capable may self-inject CIMZIA using the prefilled syringe, after proper training in subcutaneous injection and if a physician determines that it is appropriate. Patients who self-inject CIMZIA will require medical follow up, as necessary.

Patients using CIMZIA should be instructed to inject the full amount in the syringe, 200 mg (1 mL), according to the directions provided in the Patient Instructions for use in the medication guide.

Features of the CIMZIA prefilled syringe

CIMZIA offers a unique approach to the patient experience in RA treatment. UCB, the manufacturer of CIMZIA, partnered with OXO GOOD GRIPS to develop a syringe that would be easy to grip and use, and the result is the only anti-TNF therapy in a prefilled syringe designed with RA patients in mind.¹

In an observational usability study^* to examine how people living with RA grip and hold a syringe, 74% of RA patients said they would prefer a syringe designed to¹:

• Help them feel confident and comfortable when injecting
• Make it easier to control and inject with 1 hand
• Meet the needs and requirements of the RA-affected hand
• Allow them to use it by themselves easily

^*Usability study was conducted in 23 RA patients with varying degrees of disease severity to assess 19 attributes of an existing prefilled syringe vs a prefilled syringe variant developed by OXO^®.

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The option of less frequent dosing
CIMZIA is the only subcutaneous anti-TNF therapy that can be dosed either every 2 or every 4 weeks (maintenance therapy).² PEGylation prolongs circulation time.²

Recommended dosing
The recommended dose of CIMZIA for adult patients with RA is 400 mg (given as 2 subcutaneous injections of 200 mg) at Weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by a maintenance dose of 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks.²


Concurrent administration of CIMZIA with certain biological DMARDs, including anakinra, abatacept, and rituximab, is not recommended due to an increased risk of serious infections.


References:
1. Data on file. UCB, Inc; Smyrna, GA.
2. CIMZIA [prescribing information]. Smyrna, GA: UCB, Inc.; 2009.