Simponi Aria (golimumab)
How this therapy is used at Arthritis Care of Texas in Corpus Christi, TX — what it is, how it is taken, side effects, and safety checks.
- Treats
- Rheumatoid arthritis · Psoriatic arthritis · Ankylosing spondylitis
- How given
- IV infusion in our office
- How often
- Every 8 weeks
Simponi Aria does both jobs: it relieves pain and swelling and helps protect joints from damage. Infusions are every 8 weeks once established, and improvement usually builds over the first 2–3 months. It is not a painkiller — keep appointments on schedule even when you feel well, because the protection is silent.
A TNF-blocking biologic given as an IV infusion in our infusion suite for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Like other anti-TNF therapies — see infliximab — it requires screening blood tests and TB checks before starting, and infusions are scheduled by our team.
Why the checks: Screening and monitoring each have a job: the TB and hepatitis tests look for dormant infections that TNF blockade could reactivate, so they can be treated first; infusion-day checks (temperature, how you feel, any infections since last time) confirm it is safe to proceed; and periodic blood tests keep an eye on counts and liver values while you are on treatment.
Used for Rheumatoid arthritis · Psoriatic arthritis · Ankylosing spondylitis
Common worries
Why screen for TB first?
Simponi Aria blocks TNF, which helps the body keep dormant TB contained. The screening test finds hidden TB so it can be treated before your first infusion — standard for every TNF blocker.
Why infusions instead of a pill or a pen?
The IV form delivers a weight-based dose reliably and puts your care in the team’s hands every 8 weeks — many patients like having nothing to manage at home. A self-injected form of golimumab also exists for some conditions; your provider can explain the choice.
What happens if I get an infection between infusions?
Call us — do not just wait for the next appointment. Expect treatment to pause until the infection is treated; that pause is a normal, planned part of biologic care.
Ready to be seen? New patients are seen within 2–4 weeks.