Understanding Golimumab: Your Comprehensive Guide

Names of Medication

Simponi (Golimumab)

Pharmacologic Category

Golimumab is in the category of drugs known as TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) blockers. Other drugs in this category include:
Adalimumab (Humira)
Infliximab (Remicade)
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)

Dosing

Remember, you should never adjust your medication dosage without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
For adults, the typical uses and doses of Golimumab include:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

50 mg injected under the skin once a month.

Psoriatic Arthritis

50 mg injected under the skin once a month.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

50 mg injected under the skin once a month.

Ulcerative Colitis

Initial dosing is 200 mg at week 0, 100 mg at week 2, then 100 mg every 4 weeks.

Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

50 mg injected under the skin once a month.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Golimumab (Simponi) comes in the following forms and strengths:
Prefilled syringe: 50 mg/0.5 mL
Prefilled autoinjector pen: 50 mg/0.5 mL
Prefilled syringe for ulcerative colitis: 100 mg/mL

Administration Instructions

Golimumab is a subcutaneous injection that can be administered at home once you’re trained by a healthcare provider. The medication should be injected into the front of the thighs or lower part of the abdomen, avoiding the area two inches around the navel. The site of injection should be rotated each time.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Potential side effects from Golimumab include:

Upper respiratory tract infection (common)

This can include symptoms such as a sore throat and runny nose. It occurs because Golimumab can affect your immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

Injection site reactions (common)

This could include redness, swelling, itching, or pain at the site of the injection. This is because the body is responding to a foreign substance.

Headache (common)

Like many medications, Golimumab may cause headaches as your body adjusts to the new medication.

Nausea (uncommon)

Some people might feel sick to their stomach. This can happen with many different medications.

Abdominal pain (uncommon)

This might be because Golimumab affects the immune system, which could impact inflammation in the stomach area.

Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)

These reactions could include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these, seek emergency medical attention. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur because the body may see the medication as a foreign substance and react accordingly.

Contraindications to Taking Golimumab

A contraindication is a situation in which a drug should not be used, because it may be harmful to the patient.

Active Tuberculosis or other severe infections (e.g., sepsis, opportunistic infections)

Patients with active tuberculosis or severe infections should not take Golimumab, as it can weaken the immune system and could potentially exacerbate these conditions.

Moderate to severe heart failure

Patients with moderate to severe heart failure should avoid Golimumab as it may increase the risk of worsening their heart condition.

Known hypersensitivity to Golimumab or any of its components

Anyone who has had a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Golimumab or any of its components should not take this medication. An allergic reaction might involve hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Some significant drug interactions with Golimumab include:
Abatacept (Orencia)
Anakinra (Kineret)
Tofacitinib (Xeljanz)

Golimumab in Pregnancy

Golimumab should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as there is not sufficient data about its safety in pregnant women. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Golimumab while Breastfeeding

While it is not known if Golimumab passes into breast milk, it is best to consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while using this medication.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Golimumab, without insurance and using a GoodRx coupon, can range from $5000 to $6000. Remember, these prices are estimates and actual costs may vary based on the pharmacy, location, and any negotiated agreements between the pharmacy and pharmaceutical companies.

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.