abatacept vs certolizumab
Side-by-side comparison of abatacept and certolizumab Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
moderate Known Drug Interaction
( 7.3 ) 7.1 Use with Anakinra, Abatacept, Rituximab, and Natalizumab An increased risk of serious infections has been seen in clinical studies of other TNF-blocking agents used in combination with anakinra or abatacept, with no added benefit. Therefore, the use of CIMZIA in combination with anakinra, abatacept, rituximab, or natalizumab is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] .
Recommendation: This combination is not recommended and should be avoided because it increases the risk of infection without providing extra benefits.
Orencia
Cimzia
Orencia is a medicine that helps to reduce inflammation. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Cimzia is a medicine that blocks a protein called TNF. It helps reduce inflammation and other symptoms of certain diseases.
Orencia treats rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It also treats polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years and older. Orencia can also treat active psoriatic arthritis in patients 2 years and older. Finally, it can prevent acute graft versus host disease after a stem cell transplant.
Cimzia treats Crohn's disease by easing symptoms. It also helps keep the disease under control in adults. Cimzia can also treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis in adults. It is also used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 2 years and older.
Orencia works by blocking the activity of certain immune cells called T cells. These T cells can cause inflammation and damage to your joints and other tissues. By blocking T cell activity, Orencia can help reduce inflammation and relieve your symptoms.
Cimzia blocks a protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF can cause inflammation and damage in certain diseases. By blocking TNF, Cimzia can reduce these symptoms.
- • Headache
- • Upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold)
- • Runny nose
- • Nausea
- • Upper respiratory infection
- • Rash
- • Urinary tract infection
- The medicine is not working 38,612
- Rheumatoid arthritis 23,596
- Pain 21,295
- Joint pain 20,151
- Swollen joint 19,709
No adverse event reports.
Using Orencia with a TNF antagonist or other biologic medicines can raise your risk of serious infections. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. Orencia can also cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling, or hives.
Cimzia can make you more likely to get serious infections that could lead to death. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of infection before starting Cimzia. Children and teenagers taking TNF blockers like Cimzia have a higher chance of getting lymphoma and other cancers.
There is not enough information about Orencia use in pregnant women to know if it is safe. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Studies suggest Cimzia transfer to the baby is minimal during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of getting vaccines if your baby was exposed to Cimzia during pregnancy.
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How to Read This abatacept vs certolizumab Comparison
abatacept is classified in the T-Cell Co-Stimulation Modulator drug class, while certolizumab sits within the TNF-Alpha Inhibitor (Biologic) class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, abatacept has 123,363 submissions while certolizumab has 0. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known moderate interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to both of these medicines weaken the immune system to treat inflammation, so taking them together makes it much harder for your body to fight off serious infections.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between abatacept and certolizumab — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.