Simponi/Simponi Aria (golimumab)

Simponi^® (golimumab) and Simponi^® Aria (golimumab) are used along with the medicine methotrexate to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).^1,2

Simponi is available as a once-monthly injection. Simponi Aria is available as an infusion (given through a needle placed in your vein).^1,2

What are the ingredients in Simponi?

The active ingredient in Simponi and Simponi Aria is golimumab.^1,2

How does Simponi work?

Simponi and Simponi Aria are both medicines known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. TNF is a protein made by your immune system. In people with certain autoimmune diseases, such as RA, the immune system makes too much TNF. This leads to RA symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.^1,2

Simponi and Simponi Aria work by targeting and sticking to the extra TNF in your body. This helps reduce RA symptoms and prevent further joint damage.^1,2

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Simponi include:¹

• Runny nose, sore throat, hoarseness
• Injection site reactions like redness, swelling, itching, and pain
• Viral infections like flu and cold sores

The most common side effects of Simponi Aria include:²

• Runny nose, sore throat, hoarseness
• Abnormal liver tests
• Low levels of blood cells that fight infection
• Viral infections like flu and cold sores
• Bronchitis
• High blood pressure
• Rash

Both Simponi and Simponi Aria have boxed warnings, the strictest warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They have this warning because they may cause serious side effects, including:^1,2

• Serious infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) and sepsis, that can lead to hospitalization or death
• Increased risk of certain cancers, especially in children and teens

Your doctor will test you for TB and hepatitis B before you start Simponi or Simponi Aria. Your doctor will also closely monitor you for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with these drugs.^1,2

Do not start taking Simponi or Simponi Aria if you have any type of infection unless your doctor tells you to. Contact your doctor right away if you have any signs of an infection, such as:^1,2

• Fever
• Cough
• Flu-like symptoms
• Feeling very tired

These are not all the possible side effects of Simponi or Simponia Aria. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking these drugs. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking either of these drugs.

Other things to know

Before taking Simponi or Simponi Aria, tell your doctor if you:^1,2

• Have signs of an infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, or diarrhea
• Are being treated for an infection
• Have diabetes, HIV, or a weak immune system
• Have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
• Have or have had heart problems, psoriasis, hepatitis B, multiple sclerosis, or lymphoma or any other type of cancer

People taking Simponi should not receive certain vaccines. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines.^1,2

There is not enough data to know if Simponi and Simponi Aria are safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking either of these drugs, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.^1,2

Certain drugs can interact with Simponi and Simponi Aria, including:^1,2

• Actemra (tocilizumab)
• Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
• Enbrel (etanercept)
• Humira (adalimumab)
• Kineret (anakinra)
• Orencia (abatacept)
• Remicade(infliximab)
• Rituxan (rituximab)

Before beginning treatment for RA, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Simponi and Simponi Aria.