Patient has a rheumatologic disease and physician would like to start a biologic "Cimzia." Which contains murine rDNA on the fab fragment that is humanized and pegylated. The drug is further developed using E. Coli technology.
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergy to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a carbohydrate found in red meat and other products made from mammals. This syndrome can be triggered by the bite of a Lone Star tick.Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) is a biologic medication used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and others. It is a PEGylated anti-TNF-alpha antibody fragment.Certolizumab pegol itself does not contain alpha-gal; however, the formulation and production process of any medication can potentially include excipients or contamination with mammalian products. For patients with AGS, it's crucial to verify that the medication and all its components, including excipients, do not contain alpha-gal.Patients with AGS should consult with their allergist or healthcare provider to confirm the safety of using certolizumab pegol. They should also review the specific product formulation details with a pharmacist or contact the drug manufacturer for detailed information about potential alpha-gal content.