Anakinra and Certolizumab Injection: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Anakinra
Certolizumab Injection
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
An increased risk of serious infections
Interaction Deep Dive
The concomitant use of anakinra with certolizumab pegol (TNF blocking agents) is not recommended due to the nature of the adverse events, such as an increased risk of serious infection seen with these combinations with TNF blocker therapy, similar toxicities may also result from the use of certolizumab pegol and anakinra. There is not enough information to assess the safety and efficacy of such combination therapy1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Unknown
Common questions
Can I take Anakinra and Certolizumab Injection together?
An increased risk of serious infections Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Anakinra and Certolizumab Injection interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Anakinra or Certolizumab Injection need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: CIMZIA(R) subcutaneous injection, certolizumab pegol subcutaneous injection. UCB Inc (per FDA), Smyrna, GA, 2024. DailyMed
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