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.
Safety Information
This section contains important safety information and side-effects that you should look out for. You should also read the Patient Information Leaflet and Patient Reminder Card before taking Simponi.
Further information, including the Patient Information Leaflet can be found at www.medicines.org.uk/emc.
You should not take Simponi if you:
- Are allergic to golimumab or another ingredient in Simponi
- Have tuberculosis (TB) or another severe infection
- Have moderate or severe heart failure
- Are pregnant or breast-feeding
Before you take Simponi, you must tell your doctor if you:
- Recently had, or are due, a vaccine
- Are going to have an operation, including dental procedures
- Are planning to get pregnant
- Have severe asthma, COPD (a type of lung disease) or are a heavy smoker
- Have a congestive heart condition
- Have travelled to areas where fungal, TB or other infections are common
- Are allergic to sugars (including sorbitol and fructose) or latex
- Have Hepatitis B, or carry the Hepatitis B virus
- Have ever been diagnosed with any form of cancer
- Have or get any symptoms of infection
- Have or develop any heart problems, such as mild heart failure
- Have or develop problems that affects your nervous system
- Develop symptoms of lupus
- Have a fever that does not go away, bruise or bleed easily
Talk to your doctor
Before you take Simponi, your doctor will test you for TB. You should also let your doctor know immediately if you notice any of the following during or after your treatment:
Signs of infection (including TB)
- A persistent cough
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Diarrhoea
- Dental problems
- Flu-like symptoms
- Burning sensation when passing urine
- Wounds
Signs of allergic reaction
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth and throat
- Swelling of the hand, feet or ankles
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Skin rash, including hives
Signs of liver problems
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark brown urine
- Right-sided abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
Signs of heart failure
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the feet
If you experience any side effects (including any not listed above), talk to your healthcare professional. You can report side effects 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 – this helps to provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
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-00388 | Date of preparation: April 2020