Clarks Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets

Search Healthnotes

Golimumab

This form:

Pronounced

"goe-LIM-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Simponi

Uses

This medication is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, and ankylosing spondylitis). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage. By reducing joint swelling, the medication helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. Depending on the type of arthritis that is being treated, this drug may be used alone or in combination with another drug called methotrexate.

This medication is also used to treat a certain bowel condition (ulcerative colitis). It is used to help lessen symptoms of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (such as abdominal pain/cramping, diarrhea, bloody stools).

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using golimumab and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once a month. The injection is given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. The dosage is based on your medical condition. If you are using this medication to treat ulcerative colitis, your doctor may prescribe a different schedule/higher dose at the start of your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for using this medication.

Take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the microwave or place it in hot water). Do not shake the medication. This product may contain tiny particles that are white or that you can see through. Before using, check this product for cloudiness, large particles, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is sore, bruised, red, scaly, or hard. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the day on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.