There is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis but Dr. Lavery may prescribe Cimzia to help combat some of the symptoms. It is a medication that has an effect on the immune system, reducing its effectiveness. As a result, the immune system is no longer chipping away at the joints of the body but there are some potential issues that are associated with it. One of the things that can happen is for infections to take place because the immune system is no longer functioning at full level. This is more likely to occur if you have certain conditions, such as a weak immune system, hepatitis B, HIV or if you use other drugs that can impact the immune system.

Before you use Cimzia or any other medication, you should speak to your doctor about any issues you have had with using this or other drugs in the past. You should also discuss the potential for side effects, which may vary from one person to another. At times, Cimzia can result in more serious side effects, including a type of lymphoma that can affect the spleen, liver and bone marrow. This can be a fatal condition and it is more likely to affect certain individuals so be sure you talk to the doctor before you begin taking it.