Simponi (Golimumab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview
Simponi is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Simponi is approved to be used in combination with methotrexate. Simponi is also referred to by its drug name, golimumab.

Simponi is considered a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It is a genetically engineered antibody, or protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize substances. Simponi is believed to work by attaching to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a chemical messenger involved in autoimmune attacks. Simponi binds to TNF-α and prevents it from signaling the immune system to attack the body’s connective tissues.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Simponi is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under your skin) once a month. Your physician will prescribe Simponi and methotrexate together, and you must use both drugs as directed in order to receive the full benefit of the treatment.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Simponi lists common side effects including respiratory tract infections and the common cold.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Simponi include severe infections, hepatitis B virus reactivation, increased risk for lymphoma and other cancers, heart failure, nerve damage, and severe allergic reactions.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Simponi — Janssen
https://www.simponi.com/

Golimumab for Infusion (Simponi Aria) — Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner...