Golimumab

Approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's disease).

• Polyarthritis, chronic (rheumatoid arthritis): indicated in combination with methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults when the response to basic antirheumatic therapy (DMARD) including MTX has been inadequate.
• Psoriasis arthropathica(psoriatic arthritis): indicated for use as monotherapy or in combination with MTX for the treatment of active and progressive psoriatic arthritis in adults when the response to previous basic antirheumatic therapy (DMARD) has been inadequate.
• Ankylosing spondylitis ( Bechterew's disease): for the treatment of severe, active ankylosing spondylitis in adults who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis: 1 time/month 50 mg s.c. (on the same day of each month) in combination with the individually required dose of MTX.

Psoriatic arthritis: 1 time/month 50 mg s.c. (on the same day of each month), if necessary in combination with the individually required dose of MTX.

Ankylosing spondylitis: 1 time/month 50 mg s.c. (on the same day of the month) in combination with the individually required dose of MTX.

Fever, local reactions at the injection site (e.g., erythema, urticaria, pain, purpura) are typical.

Common are increased infections Upper respiratory tract infection (nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and rhinitis), bacterial infections (e.g., erysipelas), viral infections (e.g., influenza and herpes viral infections), bronchitis, sinusitis, mycoses, anemia, allergic reactions, drug exanthema, urticaria, alopecia, pruritus. Depression, insomnia, hypertension, constipation, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal and abdominal pain, increase in liver enzymes are also not uncommon.

Simponi®; approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

Notice. Patients must be closely monitored for infections, including tuberculosis, before, during and after treatment with Simponi. Since elimination of golimumab may take up to 5 months, observation must be continued over this period. If severe infection or sepsis occurs, treatment with Simponi must be discontinued.

Notice. Therapeutic response can usually be assessed after 3-4 applications.

1. Melo AT et al (2021) Golimumab (anti-TNF monoclonal antibody): where we stand today. Hum Vaccin Immunother 17(:1586-1598