Certolizumab Pegol is an immunomodulator medicine, specifically a biologic, used to treat uveitis, especially when pregnancy compatibility is a concern.
| Drug class | Biologic (Anti-TNF) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Subcutaneous Injection |
| Common strength | 200 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Cimzia |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Certolizumab Pegol is used for
Certolizumab Pegol is a powerful medicine prescribed by specialists at Pristine Eye Hospitals to treat a specific eye condition:
- Uveitis: This is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of your eye. The uvea includes the iris (the coloured part of your eye), the ciliary body, and the choroid. Inflammation in this part of the eye can cause pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and even vision loss.
This medicine is particularly considered for patients with uveitis where compatibility with pregnancy is an important factor.
How it works
Certolizumab Pegol belongs to a class of medicines called immunomodulators, specifically biologics. It works by targeting a specific protein in your body called Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF). TNF is a natural substance that plays a role in inflammation. In conditions like uveitis, there can be too much TNF, leading to ongoing inflammation and damage.
By blocking TNF, Certolizumab Pegol helps to reduce the inflammation in your eye, thereby managing the symptoms of uveitis and preventing further damage. A unique feature of Certolizumab Pegol is that it is ‘pegylated’ and designed to have minimal transfer across the placenta, which is why it is preferred in situations where pregnancy compatibility is a concern.
How it’s used
Certolizumab Pegol is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is given under the skin. Your doctor or a trained healthcare professional at Pristine Eye Hospitals will show you how to administer this injection correctly, or they may administer it for you.
The typical dosing for Certolizumab Pegol is 200 mg, given every 2 to 4 weeks. The exact frequency and duration of your treatment will be decided by your ophthalmologist based on your specific condition, how you respond to the medicine, and other individual factors. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely regarding the dose and schedule of your injections.
Do not stop using this medicine or change your dose without consulting your doctor, even if you start to feel better. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are essential to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Cimzia
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting, and it raises the risk of infection. Used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring.
Precautions & side effects
Certolizumab Pegol is a powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system. Therefore, several important precautions must be taken:
- Specialist Supervision: This medicine must only be used under the close supervision of a specialist doctor, such as an ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals, who has experience with immunomodulator treatments. Regular monitoring is essential throughout your treatment.
- Immune System Suppression: Because it suppresses the immune system, Certolizumab Pegol raises your risk of infections. It is important to be vigilant for any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, or unusual tiredness, and report them to your doctor immediately.
- Screening for Infections: Before you start treatment with Certolizumab Pegol, your doctor will usually require screening tests for certain infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis. This is to ensure that these infections are not active or latent, as the medicine could worsen them.
- Pregnancy Compatibility: Certolizumab Pegol is considered a preferred anti-TNF medicine around pregnancy due to its minimal placental transfer. However, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you must discuss this thoroughly with your doctor. They will weigh the benefits and risks for your specific situation.
- Prescription Only: Certolizumab Pegol is a prescription-only medicine. Do not attempt to obtain or use it without a valid prescription and medical guidance.
- Reporting Side Effects: While your doctor will monitor you closely, it’s important to report any new or worsening symptoms, or any side effects you experience, to your healthcare team promptly.
Understanding Uveitis and Its Impact
Uveitis is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the uvea, the middle layer of your eye. This layer is rich in blood vessels and includes the iris (the coloured part), the ciliary body (which produces fluid and helps focus), and the choroid (which provides blood supply to the retina). When this part of the eye becomes inflamed, it can cause a range of symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and ‘floaters’ (small spots or lines that seem to drift across your vision). The severity of uveitis can vary greatly, from mild and short-lived episodes to chronic, recurring inflammation that can lead to serious complications like glaucoma, cataracts, and even permanent vision loss if not properly managed. At Pristine Eye Hospitals, our specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating uveitis effectively to preserve your vision and eye health. Understanding your condition is the first step towards successful management.
General Advice for Using Eye Medicines and Maintaining Eye Health
While Certolizumab Pegol is an injectable medicine, general principles of eye care and hygiene are always important, especially when dealing with an inflammatory condition like uveitis. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or administering any medication. If you are using other eye drops or ointments in addition to your Certolizumab Pegol treatment (as advised by your doctor), ensure you follow the correct instillation technique. For eye drops, tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket, and drop the medicine into this pocket without touching your eye with the dropper tip. Close your eye gently for a minute or two. For ointments, apply a small ribbon into the same pocket. Always wait at least 5-10 minutes between different types of eye drops or between drops and ointments to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly. Store all your medicines as directed by your pharmacist or doctor, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never share your eye medicines with anyone else, as this can spread infections or be harmful.
When to Seek Medical Help
Managing uveitis with a powerful medicine like Certolizumab Pegol requires close collaboration with your healthcare team. It is crucial to know when to seek medical help. Always attend your scheduled follow-up appointments at Pristine Eye Hospitals, as these are vital for monitoring your condition and the effectiveness of your treatment. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any sudden worsening of your eye symptoms, such as increased pain, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. Additionally, because Certolizumab Pegol affects your immune system, be vigilant for signs of infection anywhere in your body. This includes fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, unusual fatigue, or any new skin rashes or sores. If you notice any of these symptoms, or any other unusual or concerning changes in your health, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or the emergency services at Pristine Eye Hospitals. Prompt medical attention can prevent complications and ensure your well-being.
Frequently asked questions
What is Certolizumab Pegol used for?
Certolizumab Pegol is an immunomodulator medicine used to treat uveitis, which is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. It is particularly considered for patients where compatibility with pregnancy is an important factor.
How does Certolizumab Pegol work?
Certolizumab Pegol works by blocking a protein called Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) in your body. By doing this, it helps to reduce inflammation in the eye, which is the cause of uveitis. It is designed to have minimal transfer across the placenta.
What are the common Indian brands for Certolizumab Pegol?
In India, Certolizumab Pegol is available under the brand name Cimzia.
How is Certolizumab Pegol used?
Certolizumab Pegol is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). The typical dose is 200 mg, administered every 2 to 4 weeks, as directed by your specialist doctor.
Do I need a prescription for Certolizumab Pegol?
Yes, Certolizumab Pegol is a powerful medicine and is available only with a valid prescription from a specialist doctor.
What are the key precautions to take with Certolizumab Pegol?
Certolizumab Pegol suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. You will usually need screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis before starting. It must be used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring. It is considered a preferred anti-TNF around pregnancy, but you should discuss your pregnancy status with your doctor.
References
- Certolizumab Pegol (Cimzia®) – MotherToBaby
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.