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This site is intended for patients prescribed SIMPONI (golimumab). If you are a Healthcare Professional then go to the HCP site or if you are a member of the public, please visit our public site.
PATIENT ADVICE DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Please continue to take your medication as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are concerned that you may have symptoms of COVID-19 or you are concerned about having been in contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 then self-isolate, consult NHS 111 (https://111.nhs.uk) and also contact your GP or referring centre (consultant or clinical nurse specialist) for further advice.
Getting Ready
Although your healthcare professional should have taken you through how to self inject, this step-by-step guide is here for you to refer to at any time. If you have not been trained please contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
When it has reached room temperature, take the SmartJect pen or syringe out of the carton.
Wash your hands with warm soapy water and dry with a clean towel.
Use an alcohol wipe to clean a 5 x 5cm area around your chosen injection site and allow the skin to air dry.
Things you should check:
- The expiry date
- The security seal
- The liquid in the observation window is colourless to light yellow in colour
- Do not use if it looks cloudy or has large particles in it
When you're ready to inject
Please choose either the SmartJect Pen or the Syringe:
SmartJect Pen
Click the play icon to view the injection video guide for the pre-filled pen.
Syringe
Click the play icon to view the injection video guide for the pre-filled syringe.
1
Twist and remove the cap and then throw it away - don't put it back on as this may damage the needle. You should inject within 5 minutes of the cap being removed.
Check expiry date:
Check the expiration date (as indicated as "EXP") on the pre-filled pen.
You can also check the expiration date printed on the carton. Do not use the pre-filled pen if the expiration date has passed. The expiration date refers to the last day of the month. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist for assistance.
2
Make sure you are sitting comfortably with your muscles relaxed. Being careful not to push the button, press the SmartJect® pen firmly against your skin.
3
When you feel ready, you can inject by simply pressing the button - when the injection starts, you should hear a loud click. You will not be able to push down the button unless the pen is held firmly against the skin.
4
You may be startled by the click, but be careful not to move the pen once the injection has started.
5
Continue holding the pen firmly against the skin until you hear a second click - otherwise you may not receive the full dose. This should happen after 3-15 seconds.
If you have difficulty hearing, wait at least 15 seconds before moving the pen away.
6
If the injection has been successful, you should be able to see a yellow indicator. If you can’t see it, contact your healthcare professional, but do not take another dose.
Don’t worry if there is a small amount of blood or liquid at the injection site afterwards – this is normal. It may help to press on the area with a cotton ball, but do not rub the skin.
1
Hold the syringe in one hand between your thumb and fingers - you should only hold it by the main body of the syringe
Check expiry date:
Check the expiration date (as indicated by "EXP") on the label by looking through the viewing window located within the body of the pre-filled syringe.
If you cannot see the expiration date through the viewing window, hold the pre-filled syringe by its body and rotate the needle cover to line up the expiration date to the viewing window.
You can also check the expiration date printed on the carton. Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the expiration date has passed. The expiration date refers to the last day of the month. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist for assistance.
2
Pull the needle cover off and throw it away - don't put it back on as this may damage the needle.
Don’t worry if you notice a small air bubble or drop of liquid at the end of the needle - this is normal.
3
Gently hold the skin around the sterilised area using your thumb and index finger.
4
Holding the syringe between the index and middle finger with the thumb on the plunger, insert the needle at a 45° angle, with one quick motion, into the area of skin you are holding.
5
You should push the plunger down slowly but firmly, until all the fluid has been injected.
Keep the pressure on the plunger as you take the needle out.
6
Gradually take your thumb off the plunger, allowing the empty syringe to move up until the needle guard fully covers the needle.
Don’t worry if there is a small amount of blood or liquid at the injection site afterwards - this is normal. It may help to press on the area with a cotton ball, but do not rub the skin.
Disposing of SIMPONI
You will be given a sharps bin to dispose of all used pens or syringes.
Never throw away SmartJect pens or syringes with household waste.
Delivery & Collection
You can organise the delivery and collection of your sharps bin by telephoning one of the numbers below, and asking to speak to a Patient Services Advisor.
Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 4:30pm
A few things to note
SIMPONI has been specially formulated to minimise any pain you might experience during injection, but there are some things you may also do to help reduce injection pain:
Do
- Allow 30 minutes for SIMPONI to reach room temperature before injection
- Wait until all the alcohol has evaporated after cleaning the area before injecting
- Relax your muscles at the site before and during injection
- Keep the SmartJect pen/syringe still throughout the injection
Don't
- Store SIMPONI in the freezer
- Try to warm SIMPONI quickly, such as in the microwave or in hot water
- Shake the SmartJect pen or syringe
- Remove the cap or needle cover while waiting for it reach room temperature
- Touch, fan or blow on the injection site after cleaning with the alcohol wipe
- Inject if the liquid appears cloudy or has particles in it
- Inject if SIMPONI is past its expiry date or the seal is broken
- Inject if the SmartJect pen has been dropped without the cap on
- Reuse the same SmartJect pen or syringe
If you notice anything unusual, contact your healthcare professional, especially if:
- The injection site continues to bleed
- The injection is very painful
- A rash develops around the injection site
- You get a fever or develop signs of an allergic reaction
SIMPONI is a prescription-only medicine and must be used under medical supervision.
Reporting side effects
If you experience any side effects talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Adverse events should also be reported to Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited (Tel: 01992 467272).
Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited Registered Office:
Hertford Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 9BU.
A company registered in England and Wales.
Company Registration Number: 820771
Please speak to your Healthcare Professional for a physical copy of the most recent patient information support materials.
© Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited. All rights reserved. 2020
GB-GOL-00449 | Date of preparation: August 2020