Golimumab (Simponi) Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Golimumab, sold under the brand name Simponi, is an immunosuppressive drug used to manage several chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis. It is essential to understand the administration instructions, potential side effects, and the need for regular consultation with a healthcare provider, available through telemedicine, for optimal treatment outcomes.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Simponi
Generic Name: Golimumab

The ‘generic name’ is the standard name given to a medicine, regardless of its brand name. It helps to identify the active ingredient in the medication. In this article, the generic name is mentioned in parentheses.

Pharmacologic Category

Golimumab belongs to the pharmacologic category of drugs known as TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors. Other drugs in this category include infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab (Cimzia), and etanercept (Enbrel).

Dosing

Always consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers before adjusting your dose of Golimumab. It is indicated to treat the following diseases in adults:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: 50 mg injected subcutaneously once a month.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: 50 mg injected subcutaneously once a month.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: 50 mg injected subcutaneously once a month.
• Ulcerative Colitis: An initial dose of 200 mg, followed by 100 mg at 2 weeks, then maintenance dose of 100 mg every 4 weeks.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Golimumab is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Simponi 50 mg/0.5 mL pre-filled syringe
• Simponi 50 mg/0.5 mL pre-filled pen (autoinjector)
• Simponi 100 mg/mL vial for infusion

Administration Instructions

Golimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection for most indications, except in the case of ulcerative colitis where it can also be given as an intravenous infusion. It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions or reach out to one of our telemedicine professionals if you’re unsure about the administration process.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like all medicines, Golimumab may cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. It is crucial to be aware of these and report them to your healthcare provider immediately. Our telemedicine providers are readily available for consultation should you experience any of the following:

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): upper respiratory infection, abnormal liver function tests, high blood pressure, rash.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): serious infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, skin infection, urinary tract infection, diverticulitis, allergic reactions, mood changes, eye inflammation, blood disorders, heart problems, lupus, psoriasis.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): cancer, including skin and lymphoma.

• Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): serious systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Always inform your healthcare provider or one of our readily available telemedicine providers about any side effects you may be experiencing. It’s crucial to remember that your healthcare team prescribed this medication because they believe the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. However, close monitoring and regular consultation are key to ensuring safe and effective treatment.

Contraindications

A contraindication refers to a situation in which a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. Golimumab should not be administered if:

• You have had an allergic reaction to golimumab or any other ingredients in the medication. This is because re-exposure can trigger a severe allergic reaction.
• You have an active infection, including tuberculosis (TB), or a history of recurrent infections. Golimumab can weaken your immune system making it harder for your body to fight infections.
• You have moderate to severe heart failure. Golimumab may exacerbate the symptoms and potentially worsen the condition.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Golimumab may interact with other medications, changing how they work or increasing the risk of side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products. Drugs known to interact with Golimumab include:

• Abatacept (Orencia)
• Anakinra (Kineret)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

Golimumab in Pregnancy

There isn’t enough definitive information to confirm the safety of Golimumab during pregnancy. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals before making any decisions about your treatment plan during pregnancy.

Golimumab while Breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Golimumab passes into breast milk. If you are nursing, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals before starting this medication.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Golimumab, using a GoodRx coupon and without insurance, is approximately $5,000. Please note that prices may vary depending on your location and the pharmacy you use.

Possible Alternatives

While Golimumab can be very effective in treating certain conditions, other treatments or lifestyle changes may also help manage your symptoms. These may include other medications, physical therapy, diet adjustments, or exercise. Always discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals before making any changes to your treatment plan. Possible alternatives for each disease are:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Methotrexate, exercise, physical therapy.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical treatments, phototherapy.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: NSAIDs, physical therapy, regular exercise.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, diet modifications.

Recent Updates on Golimumab Research

Continued research into Golimumab has been promising. Recent studies have indicated its potential effectiveness in treating other conditions, such as non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Another study suggests that Golimumab can improve mobility when used as a long-term treatment for psoriatic arthritis. It’s important to note that while these studies are promising, further research is necessary, and these are not currently approved uses of Golimumab. Always consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals before making any changes to your treatment plan based on new research.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.