Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is an autoimmune disorder drug belonging to a family of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Recently, Cimzia, along with several other TNF blockers, were linked to an increased risk of cancer among patients taking the drug, specifically among young adults and children.



The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation into the TNF blockers after at least 30 cases of cancer among children consuming the drugs were reported during a ten-year period from 1998 to 2008, according to a September 2008 news article from Reuters.

TNF Blockers Under Investigation

TNF inhibitors were first approved by the FDA in 1998. Although TNF blockers such as Cimzia were described as "miracle" drugs by authors of a book, "Arthritis Without Pain," the FDA is finding that these drugs are in fact not miracles, but very dangerous cancer-causing medications. TNF blockers are used to treat autoimmune conditions, the list of these medications are:

* Remicade (infliximab)

* Humira (adalimumab)

* Enbrel (etanercept)

* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)

According to the Mayo Clinic, TNF blockers are most often associated with the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, in which the "wear and tear on joints" causes inflammation within the bones and joints. Nearly 2 million individuals in America suffer from the arthritic condition and it is most commonly found in women rather than in men. Additional TNF blocker side effects include:

* headache

* fever

* nausea

* chills

* myalgia

What is Cimzia?

The drug is used specifically to treat Crohn's disease a condition in which the digestive tract becomes inflamed and adversely affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC).

Additional Cimzia Side Effects

In addition to the serious risk associated with developing cancer while consuming the drug also contains other various side effects that may cause severe damage to an individual's health, according to an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC). The drug's side effects include:

* headache

* diarrhea

* fever

* abdominal paint

* upper respiratory infection

* nausea

* reactions to the injection area

The drug was approved in April 2008 for use on the market by the FDA and while results from a clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the drug is already being investigated for the potential risk of cancer as well as the risk of developing life-threatening infections.

Pharmaceutical Legal Assistance

Patients who have taken Cimzia or any of the additional TNF blockers and those who may be at risk for the potential Cimzia-induced cancer risk should seek medical attention immediately. The earlier a cancer is caught, the more likelihood of overcoming the condition.

The FDA has said that although TNF blockers are currently linked to cancer among patients, no recall has been issued and no increase of warning labels either. All additional reports of cancer development among Cimzia and other TNF inhibitors will be required to be reported to the FDA as part of their investigation.

Manufacturers of Cimzia, UCB, are currently preparing for a 10-year study to better understand the the drug's side effects. The study will begin in 2009. However, patients who have taken the drug and currently are at risk for or suffering from the drug's dangers are advised to contact a pharmaceutical attorney regarding the development of a Cimzia class action lawsuit. Developing a pharmaceutical case may allow for monetary compensation for damages that were attributed to the consumption of the drug.

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley