golimumab at a glance
Medicine class
Human monoclonal antibody and TNF inhibitor.
Main uses
Inflammatory arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and ulcerative colitis in eligible adults and children.
Administration
Injected under the skin; self-injection requires training.
Before treatment
Screening for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and active infection is important.
Vaccines
Live vaccines must not be given during treatment. Check planned vaccinations with the clinical team.
What is golimumab used for?
The product described is licensed for these conditions when its eligibility requirements are met:
Moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults, with methotrexate.
Active, progressive psoriatic arthritis in adults, alone or with methotrexate.
Severe active ankylosing spondylitis in adults.
Severe active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults with objective evidence of inflammation.
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in eligible adults and children.
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children from two years of age, with methotrexate.
How does golimumab work?
Golimumab binds soluble and cell-associated TNF-alpha and prevents it from activating its receptors. This reduces inflammatory immune activity but also reduces some normal defences against infection.
golimumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg
How to take golimumab
Golimumab is injected under the skin using the supplied single-use device. Follow the product-specific training and written instructions.
Allow the refrigerated syringe to reach room temperature before use; do not warm it another way.
Do not shake the syringe.
Only use liquid that is clear to slightly opalescent and colourless to light yellow, without foreign particles.
Use a different body site when more than one injection is required.
Dispose of the used syringe safely immediately after injection.
Keep refrigerated, protected from light and never freeze. Follow the leaflet's room-temperature storage conditions.
golimumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Upper respiratory infections, such as a cold or sore throat
- Injection-site redness, pain, itching, bruising or swelling
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, indigestion or abdominal discomfort
- Rash, itching or dermatitis
- Fever or tiredness
- Raised liver enzymes or changes in blood-cell counts
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe or unusual infection, including tuberculosis, pneumonia or sepsis
- Serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
- Hepatitis B reactivation
- New or worsening heart failure
- Blood disorders causing persistent fever, pallor, bruising or bleeding
- New or worsening demyelinating neurological disease
- Lupus-like illness or vasculitis
- Lymphoma, leukaemia and other malignancies have been reported; the individual contribution of TNF inhibition is uncertain
golimumab in pregnancy
UK rheumatology guidance considers TNF inhibitors compatible with pregnancy when needed to control maternal disease, while the product information advises use only when clearly needed. Golimumab can cross the placenta, so tell maternity and paediatric teams about exposure because the baby's live-vaccine schedule may need changing.
golimumab while breastfeeding
Sources differ. The product information advises against breastfeeding during treatment and for at least six months afterwards, while British Society for Rheumatology guidance considers TNF inhibitors compatible with breastmilk exposure based on limited evidence. Seek an individual specialist decision.
golimumab interactions
Formal interaction studies are limited. Important combinations include:
Anakinra
Concurrent use is not recommended because serious infection and low neutrophil counts may be more likely without added clinical benefit.
Abatacept
Concurrent use is not recommended because it increases infection risk without demonstrated additional benefit.
Other biological treatments for the same condition
Overlapping immune suppression may increase infection and other adverse-effect risks, so concurrent use is generally avoided.
Common questions about golimumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is golimumab a biologic and an immunosuppressant?
Yes. It is a biological monoclonal antibody and TNF inhibitor that reduces inflammatory immune activity.
Can I have vaccines while taking golimumab?
Non-live vaccines may be given, although their effect can be reduced. Live vaccines must not be given during treatment.
What infection screening is needed?
Assessment for active and latent tuberculosis and hepatitis B is required, alongside a review for current, chronic or recurrent infection.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.