Cimzia vs. Humira for Plaque Psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) and Humira (adalimumab) are both injectable medications used to treat various autoimmune conditions, but they have some differences between them. Cimzia is typically given every 2 to 4 weeks, while Humira is usually administered every other week. Cimzia is not approved for use in children, while Humira can be used in children as young as 2 years old for certain conditions. Cimzia can be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days, but Humira can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days. Both medications can raise your risk of serious infections. Currently Humira has more biosimilars available, which are similar versions of the medication.

Cimzia

(certolizumab)

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Humira

(adalimumab)

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Summary for Cimzia

Prescription only

Cimzia (certolizumab) is a prescription biologic used to treat several autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. It works by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which helps reduce inflammation in your body. The medication is given as an injection under the skin every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your condition. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin rash.

Indications for Cimzia

Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease when other treatments haven't worked - adults only
Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) - adults children 2 years and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) - adults only
Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) - adults only

Pros and Cons for Cimzia

Pros

Treats a variety of autoimmune conditions
Only need to inject every 2 to 4 weeks
Available as a prefilled syringe for at-home administration

Cons

Can raise your risk for infections
Some people might have difficulty injecting it properly
Might have a higher risk for certain cancers

Common Side Effects for Cimzia

Warnings for Cimzia

Serious infections
Cancer
Heart failure
Allergic reactions
Nervous system problems
Blood problems
Lupus-like condition
Live vaccines

Summary for Humira

Prescription only

Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.

Indications for Humira

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
Plaque psoriasis - adults only
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
Uveitis - people age 2 and older

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed

Cons

Raises the risk of serious infections
Can take a few weeks or longer to work
Might be difficult to inject for some people
Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
Might contain rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy

Common Side Effects for Humira

Injection-site reaction (20%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
Headache (12%)
Rash (12%)
Sinus inflammation (11%)
Accidental injury (10%)
Nausea (9%)
Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.