Key facts about Golimumab
What dosages is Golimumab available in?
Golimumab is available as a 50 mg/0.5 ml and 100 mg/ml prefilled SmartJect autoinjector.
What is Golimumab used for?
Golimumab is a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS, a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your spine)
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Childhood arthritis (pJIA, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis) – Golimumab Aria only
- Ulcerative colitis (UC, a condition that causes pain, swelling, and sores in your gut) when other medications haven’t worked well – Golimumab only
How does Golimumab work?
Golimumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in your body. By blocking TNF, Golimumab lowers inflammation in your body to treat pain and swelling in your joints and gut caused by autoimmune conditions.
How do I take Golimumab?
- Your dose depends on what condition you’re using Golimumab for
- Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis: The typical dose is 50 mg injected under the skin once a month
- Ulcerative colitis: The starting dose is 200 mg injected under the skin for a one-time dose. After two weeks, inject 100 mg under the skin for another one-time dose. Then, continue to take a regular dose of 100 mg every four weeks
- This medication is also available as an intravenous (IV) infusion called Golimumab Aria that’s administered by a healthcare provider. Your provider will find the right dose for you based on your condition and weight
Is it safe for me to take Golimumab?
Golimumab is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Golimumab Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Golimumab:
- Upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat, runny nose)
- Pain, bruising, itching, rash, hardness, redness, or burning at the injection site
- Viral infections (e.g., flu)
- Liver injury
- High blood pressure
Golimumab Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Golimumab. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious infections: fever, difficulty breathing, cough that won’t go away, night sweats, confusion, feeling very tired, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, muscle aches, chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Cancer: loss of appetite, feeling very tired, lumps on skin, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin, weight loss, difficulty breathing, chills, fever
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Golimumab
The following medications may interact with Golimumab:
- Abatacept: Increased risk of serious infection
- Anakinra: Increased risk of serious infection
- Live vaccines/therapeutic infectious agents: Avoid use with Golimumab
Who makes Golimumab?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Golimumab safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled trials of Golimumab in pregnant women. However, infants born to women treated with Golimumab during their pregnancy may be at increased risk of infection for up to 6 months.
