The CIMZIA Prefilled Syringe
UCB, the makers of CIMZIA, set out to design a prefilled syringe that would be easy
for people with RA to hold and comfortable for them to use.
Designed in partnership with OXO Good Grips®
with input from people living with RA
UCB looked to people with RA for ideas. When asked what products made life easier,
many patients said they preferred wide-handled tools. This input led UCB to partner
with OXO Good Grips—a company devoted to making everyday tasks easier. The
result is a prefilled syringe designed to address the needs of people living with
RA.
Unique design features of the CIMZIA prefilled syringe
The CIMZIA prefilled syringe has many features to make it comfortable for someone
with RA to use and control with either one or two hands, depending on grip strength
and control. The syringe has received the Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis
Foundation
®.
How to use the CIMZIA prefilled syringe
Injecting CIMZIA using the prefilled syringe may be easier than you might think. Do not give yourself a
CIMZIA injection unless you have been shown by your doctor or nurse, or they can train someone you know to
help you with your injections.
Read the instructions to learn the steps you need to follow to inject CIMZIA.
Full injection
instructions are also available in your CIMZIA prefilled syringe kit from the pharmacy.
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 the 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.
NEXT:
How to Store CIMZIA »