Drug Class: Immunosuppressive
Manufacturer: Janssen Biotech
Approval Date: April 2009

What is Simponi and how does it work

Simponi is an injectable man-made protein that blocks the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). TNF is involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Simponi is a biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).

What is Simponi used for

• Combined with methotrexate for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Alone or combined with methotrexate for treating psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Treatment of moderate to sever ulcerative colitis (UC)

How effective is Simponi

• Rheumatoid arthritis: 60% of Simponi + methotrexate treated individuals versus 28% of methotrexate treated individuals achieved a response after 24 weeks.
• Psoriatic arthritis: 52% of Simponi + methotrexate treated individuals versus 12% of methotrexate treated individuals achieved a response after 24 weeks.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: 59% of Simponi treated individuals versus 12% of placebo treated individuals achieved a response after 14 weeks. All subjects also received other disease modifying rheumatoid arthritis drugs.

What are interesting facts about Simponi

• Blocks TNF
• Administered monthly

What is Simponi dosing and administration

50 mg injected under the skin monthly. Rotate injection sites. Dosing for ulcerative colitis is 200 mg injected under the skin followed by 100 mg at week 2 then 100 mg every 4 weeks. 

What are the side effects of Simponi

Common: Respiratory tract infections, elevation of liver enzymes, injection site reactions (swelling, redness).

Serious: Tuberculosis, sepsis (bacteria in blood), fungal infections, effect on nervous system, congestive heart failure, cancer, reduced levels of red blood cells, reactivation of hepatitis B virus, liver failure, psoriasis autoimmune diseases.

Simponi drug interactions

• Vaccines
• Orencia (abatacept)
• Kineret (anakinra)
• Rituxan (rituximab)

How to obtain prescription assistance for Simponi

For prescription assistance for Simponi contact access2wellness.

References: Simponi FDA prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

Last Updated: 07/2013

The material on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.