Comparing Cimzia and Humira: What sets these two drugs apart?
In the realm of autoimmune disease treatments, two popular biologic drugs stand out - Cimzia (certolizumab) and Humira (adalimumab). Both are TNF blockers, used to manage symptoms and prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and Crohn’s disease.
While they share similarities, there are key differences in their approved uses, drug administration, and side effects in adults and children.
Approved Uses
Cimzia is approved for adults only to treat moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease, RA, PsA, AS, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO). In contrast, Humira is approved for adults and children aged 6 years and older to treat moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease, adults for RA, PsA, and AS, and children aged 2 years and older for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA).
Drug Administration
Both drugs are administered subcutaneously, but Cimzia is typically given every 2 to 4 weeks, while Humira dosing can be more frequent and individualized, depending on the condition and age of the patient.
Side Effects
Common side effects for Cimzia include upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin rash. For Humira, injection site reactions, infections, and headaches are common. However, it's important to note that Humira carries specific noted risks, such as rare T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) primarily in adolescents and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease treated with TNF blockers, including Humira.
Pediatric Use
Cimzia is approved for pJIA in children aged 2 years and older, while Humira is approved for pediatric Crohn's disease starting at age 6 as well as pJIA starting at age 2.
Other Considerations
Both drugs can cause blood disorders, such as a low number of red or white blood cells, or platelets. Liver damage and immune system reactions, such as lupus-like syndrome, can also occur with Cimzia and Humira.
Heart failure can be a concern with Cimzia and Humira use, and nerve problems, such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, seizures, optic neuritis, or peripheral neuropathy, can occur with both drugs.
It's essential to discuss any side effects with a doctor or pharmacist and to adhere to the prescribed dosage and administration schedule.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cimzia and Humira for additional uses beyond those mentioned, and both are biologic drugs made using living cells.
In conclusion, while Cimzia and Humira share similarities in their primary function, understanding their differences in approved uses, drug administration, and side effects can help guide decisions in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Anthrax, a chronic disease, is not directly related to the biologic drugs Cimzia and Humira, which are primarily used to treat various medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease. Skin care products are not typically associated with Cimzia or Humira, as they are injectable medications designed for subcutaneous administration. In the context of health and wellness, it's important to remember that while these drugs can help manage symptoms and prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells, they also carry potential side effects and risks, such as blood disorders, liver damage, immune system reactions, heart failure, and nerve problems, and should be used under a healthcare professional's guidance.
