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In this Article

• What is golimumab (Simponi Injection)?
• What are the possible side effects of golimumab (Simponi Injection)?
• What is the most important information I should know about golimumab (Simponi Injection)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using golimumab (Simponi Injection)?
• How should I use golimumab (Simponi Injection)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Simponi Injection)?
• What happens if I overdose (Simponi Injection)?
• What should I avoid while using golimumab (Simponi Injection)?
• What other drugs will affect golimumab (Simponi Injection)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using golimumab (Simponi Injection)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to golimumab, or if you are already using adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), or infliximab (Remicade).

Before using golimumab, tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, if anyone in your household has tuberculosis, or if you have recently traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.

Some infections are more likely to occur in certain areas of the world. Tell your doctor where you live and where you have recently traveled or plan to travel to during treatment.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use golimumab:

• an active or recent infection;
• hepatitis B;
• congestive heart failure;
• lupus;
• diabetes;
• cancer, HIV, or a weak immune system;
• an allergy to latex rubber;
• a disease that affects the nerves or muscles, such as multiple sclerosis;
• if you have recently been vaccinated with BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin); or
• if you are scheduled to receive any vaccines.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether golimumab passes into breast milk. Do not use golimumab without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Using golimumab may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) or autoimmune disorders (such as a lupus-like syndrome). This risk may be greater in children and young adults. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

How should I use golimumab (Simponi Injection)?

Before you start treatment with golimumab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Golimumab is usually given once per month. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Golimumab comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Golimumab is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Do not shake the golimumab prefilled syringe. Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors, is cloudy, or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use a different place on your thigh, stomach, or upper arm each time you give yourself an injection. Your care provider will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Each single-use pre-filled syringe of golimumab is for one use only. Throw away the auto-injector after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.

Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-proof container. If your medicine does not come with such a container, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.

Golimumab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function at regular visits for several months after you stop using golimumab.

Store this medication in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. Keep the medication in its original carton and protect from light.

You may take the prefilled syringe or autoinjector out of the refrigerator and place it at room temperature for 30 minutes before giving your injection. Do not warm the medication with water or heat.