Uses
This medication is used to treat certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis). Golimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as TNF blockers. It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor - TNF) in your body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage. Golimumab helps slow joint damage and reduce joint pain/swelling so you can move better.
How To Use
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using golimumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This drug is given by slow injection into a vein by a health care professional, usually over 30 minutes. After the first dose, this medication is usually given again 4 weeks later, then every 8 weeks as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your weight. For children, the dosage is based on their body size.
You should receive this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive the next dose.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Redness, irritation, or pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
- unsteadiness
- unexplained muscle weakness
- vision changes
- muscle/joint pain
- butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks
- symptoms of heart failure (including shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain)
- signs of infection (such as fever/chills/cough/sore throat that doesn't go away, unusual sweating)
- symptoms of liver damage (including nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellow eyes/skin)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
Golimumab can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before using golimumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blood/bone marrow problems (such as low red/white blood cells and platelets)
- certain brain/nerve disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome)
- cancer
- current/recent/repeated infections (such as fungal, hepatitis B, tuberculosis)
- heart disease (such as heart failure)
- lupus
- seizures
Golimumab can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using golimumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially the risk of infections.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Mothers who have used this medication during pregnancy should ask a doctor about immunizations/vaccinations for their newborn babies.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- other TNF-blockers (such as adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, infliximab)
- other drugs that weaken the immune system (such as abatacept, anakinra, cyclosporine)
Avoid treatments that contain live bacteria or viruses (such as BCG, flu vaccine inhaled through the nose) since they may increase your risk for serious infections while you are using golimumab.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, liver function, skin exams, TB/hepatitis B tests) should be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
