Great question to be asking — staying informed about your treatment is so important! Simponi Aria (golimumab) is a TNF inhibitor biologic, and like all biologics in this class, it works by dampening the immune system to reduce inflammation. This does mean your body may have a harder time fighting off certain infections.
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Great question to be asking — staying informed about your treatment is so important! Simponi Aria (golimumab) is a TNF inhibitor biologic, and like all biologics in this class, it works by dampening the immune system to reduce inflammation. This does mean your body may have a harder time fighting off certain infections.
Some infections to be aware of while on a TNF inhibitor include:
- Mild infections like colds, sinus infections, the flu, and urinary tract infections
- More serious infections like tuberculosis (TB), fungal infections, and hepatitis B
The average time for infections to develop after starting biologic treatment has been observed to be around nine months, so it's worth staying vigilant over time. Some important steps to help protect yourself include:
- Keep vaccinations up to date — your doctor can advise which ones are appropriate
- Get screened before and during treatment for TB and hepatitis B
- Report any signs of infection to your doctor promptly, even if they seem minor
It's also worth knowing that among TNF inhibitors studied, infliximab and adalimumab showed higher infection risks compared to etanercept, while some other biologics showed lower risks. Every person responds differently, so the best thing to do is have an open conversation with your doctor about your specific infection risks while on Simponi Aria.
May 22
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