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GOLIMUMAB (goe LIM ue mab) treats autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis. It works by slowing down an overactive immune system. It belongs to a group of medications called TNF inhibitors. It is a monoclonal antibody.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medication is injected into a vein or under the skin. If it is injected into a vein, it is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. If it is injected under the skin, it may be given at home.
If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Abatacept
-Adalimumab
-Anakinra
-Certolizumab
-Etanercept
-Infliximab
-Live virus vaccines
-Rilonacept
-Rituximab
-Tocilizumab
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Cyclosporine
-Theophylline
-Vaccines
-Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Your care team will screen you for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If they think you are at risk, you may be treated with medication for TB. You should start taking the medication for TB before you start this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Talk to your care team about your vaccination history. You should not receive live vaccines while you're being treated with this medication and until your care team tells you that your immune system is no longer weakened. You may need to get some vaccines before you start treatment. If you need a non-live vaccine while you are being treated, talk to your care team.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Taking this medication in the third trimester may temporarily affect how the newborn's immune system responds to infections and vaccines. Your care team may recommend changes to your treatment plan.
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If you get this medication at the hospital or clinic: It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
If you give yourself this medication at home: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Call your care team with questions.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Aplastic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, increased bleeding or bruising
-Body pain, tingling, or numbness
-Eye pain, change in vision, vision loss
-Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
-Lupus-like syndrome—joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, rashes that get worse in the sun, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue
-Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Dizziness
-Fever
-Runny or stuffy nose
-Sore throat
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Refrigeration (preferred): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
Room temperature: This medication can be stored at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Check the information that came with this medication to see how long it can stay at room temperature. Each product may have different directions. Keep this medication in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Protect from light. After the medication reaches room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator. Get rid of any unused medication as directed.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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