Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

RA medication Cimiza & Side effects

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX

Ever since my first dose on February 20 I’ve been developing side effects since March. I think the first symptom was my mood and weight gain at the end of that month. Then I developed a lingering cough that comes and goes. By April, I had upper respiratory symptoms and determined in May by urgent care that I had bronchitis/pneumonia which they gave me antibiotics (doxycycline, and amoxicillin-clav). Then these medication seem to help, but now I’m having these rashes that have developed and plus… read more

May 22 (edited)
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

I agree, you need to have a talk with your Dr. Make sure that he listens to you, your reaction could only get worse

May 23
myRAteam

What a tough few months — dealing with all of these side effects on top of RA flares is genuinely exhausting, and it makes complete sense that you're questioning whether to continue with Cimzia.

The honest answer is: please don't stop on your own. This is a really important conversation to have with your rheumatologist as Show Full Answer

What a tough few months — dealing with all of these side effects on top of RA flares is genuinely exhausting, and it makes complete sense that you're questioning whether to continue with Cimzia.

The honest answer is: please don't stop on your own. This is a really important conversation to have with your rheumatologist as soon as possible. Here's why that conversation matters so much right now:

- Rashes can sometimes signal an allergic reaction to medication and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately
- Recurring infections like the bronchitis/pneumonia you experienced are a known risk with biologics, since they suppress the immune system
- Stopping suddenly without medical guidance can trigger serious RA flares — roughly half of people who stop biologics experience a relapse of symptoms

Your rheumatologist needs to know the full picture of what you've been experiencing since February. It would really help to write down a timeline of your symptoms — just like you've shared here — to bring to your appointment. This gives your doctor the clearest picture to work with.

There are other treatment options available if Cimzia isn't the right fit. You and your rheumatologist can make that decision together based on what's best for your specific situation. You deserve to feel better. 🙏

May 22

Related Questions

View All

Swelling,calves painful,walking is hard

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Albuquerque, NM
July 28, 2021

Why RA Drug Side Effects May Be Overstated Early On
Methotrexate for RA: Safe Use, Side Effects, and What To Expect
Smoking and RA: What Are the Effects?
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In