What is Golimumab?
Golimumab is a biologic medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
How to take it properly?
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This medication is given by subcutaneous injection.
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Wash hands before and after use.
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Massage the injection site after administration.
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Dispose of the syringe after single use.
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Dispose of the needle in a sharps container, then return the container to the healthcare provider when full.
What should you do while taking this medication?
Reasons to contact your doctor immediately:
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If you suspect you have taken an overdose, contact the emergency department immediately.
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Signs of a life-threatening reaction such as wheezing, chest tightness, fever, itching, severe cough, bluish skin color, seizures, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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Signs or symptoms of illness, including fever, chills (fever with shaking), severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum color, painful urination, mouth ulcers, non-healing wounds, or itching or anal pain.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Severe dizziness.
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Severe headache.
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Any skin rash.
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Pregnancy.
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If you are planning to have surgery.
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If you are about to receive any vaccination.
How to store the medication
Store the medication in the refrigerator and avoid freezing it during storage.
What are the side effects of Golimumab?
Common side effects include:
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Local reaction at the injection site.
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Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis).
Rare side effects include:
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Only a few reports have been received of patients who developed diseases affecting the nervous system (multiple sclerosis, seizures, or neuritis and eye inflammation).
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You should inform your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, as this medication may worsen your condition.
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Golimumab may cause a decrease in white blood cell or red blood cell counts. This is rare and may not cause any serious problem.
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Golimumab is associated with a very small risk of cancer.
Do I need regular blood tests while taking Golimumab?
Regular blood tests are not necessary while taking Golimumab.
Is Golimumab safe during pregnancy?
Golimumab is a relatively new medication, so its risk during pregnancy is unknown. Moreover, you should avoid pregnancy while taking Golimumab. Therefore, women taking this medication should use an effective method of contraception. Breastfeeding should also be avoided while taking this medication.
What is the recommended dose of Golimumab?
This medication is given by subcutaneous injection. The usual dose is 50 mg, typically taken once a month.
