SIMPONI ARIA
RxNorm 1431642· GOLIMUMAB· INTRAVENOUS
Tumor Necrosis Factor Blocker [EPC] · Janssen Biotech, Inc.
Boxed Warning
WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS and MALIGNANCY WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS and MALIGNANCY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Serious infections leading to hospitalization or death including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal (such as histoplasmosis), and other opportunistic infections have occurred in patients receiving SIMPONI ARIA ( 5.1 ). Discontinue SIMPONI ARIA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis ( 5.1 ). Perform test for latent TB; if positive, start treatment for TB prior to starting SIMPONI ARIA ( 5.1 ). Monitor all patients for active TB during treatment, even if initial latent TB test is negative ( 5.1 ). Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, of which SIMPONI ARIA is a member ( 5.2 ). SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with SIMPONI ARIA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Discontinue SIMPONI ARIA if a patient develops a serious infection. Reported infections with TNF blockers, of which SIMPONI ARIA is a member, include: Active tuberculosis, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis. Patients with tuberculosis have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Test patients for latent tuberculosis before SIMPONI ARIA use and during therapy. Initiate treatment for latent tuberculosis prior to SIMPONI ARIA use. Invasive fungal infections including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infec…
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SIMPONI ARIA is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with moderately to severely active Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in combination with methotrexate ( 1.1 ) Active Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) in patients 2 years of age and older ( 1.2 ) Adult patients with active Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) ( 1.3 ) Active polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA) in patients 2 years of age and older ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) SIMPONI ARIA, in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. 1.2 Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) SIMPONI ARIA is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older. 1.3 Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) SIMPONI ARIA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis. 1.4 Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA) SIMPONI ARIA is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in patients 2 years of age and older.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adult patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis: 2 mg/kg intravenous infusion over 30 minutes at weeks 0 and 4, and every 8 weeks thereafter ( 2.1 ) Pediatric patients with polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis: 80 mg/m 2 intravenous infusion over 30 minutes at weeks 0 and 4, and every 8 weeks thereafter ( 2.2 ) Dilution of supplied SIMPONI ARIA solution with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP is required prior to administration. Alternatively, 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP can also be used ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Dosage in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis The SIMPONI ARIA dosage regimen is 2 mg per kg given as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes at weeks 0 and 4, and every 8 weeks thereafter. Follow the dilution and administration instructions for SIMPONI ARIA [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), SIMPONI ARIA should be given in combination with methotrexate. The efficacy and safety of switching between intravenous and subcutaneous formulations and routes of administration have not been established. 2.2 Dosage in Pediatric Patients with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis The SIMPONI ARIA dosage regimen, based on body surface area (BSA), is 80 mg/m 2 given as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes at weeks 0 and 4, and every 8 weeks thereafter. Follow the dilution and administration instructions for SIMPONI ARIA [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 2.3 Evaluation for Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B Prior to Dosage Prior to initiating SIMPONI ARIA and periodically during therapy, evaluate patients for active tuberculosis and test for latent infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Prior to initiating SIMPONI ARIA, test patients for hepatitis B viral infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.4 Important Administration Instructions SIMPONI ARIA solution for intravenous infusion should be diluted by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique as follows: Calculate the dosage and the number of SIMPONI ARIA vials needed based on the recommended adult dosage of 2 mg/kg and the patient's weight for RA, PsA and AS. Calculate the dosage and number of SIMPONI ARIA vials needed based on the recommended pediatric dosage of 80 mg/m 2 and the patient's body surface area (BSA), for pJIA and pediatric patients with PsA. Each 4 mL vial of SIMPONI ARIA contains 50 mg of golimumab. Check that the solution in each vial is colorless to light yellow. The solution may develop a few fine translucent particles, as golimumab is a protein. Do not use if opaque particles, discoloration, or other foreign particles are present. Dilute the total volume of the SIMPONI ARIA solution with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to a final volume of 100 mL. For example, this can be accomplished by withdrawing a volume of the 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP from the 100-mL infusion bag or bottle equal to the total volume of SIMPONI ARIA. Slowly add the total volume of SIMPONI ARIA solution to the 100-mL infusion bag or bottle. Gently mix. Discard any unused solution remaining in the vials. Alternatively, SIMPONI ARIA can be diluted using the same method described above with 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Prior to infusion, visually inspect the diluted SIMPONI ARIA solution for particulate matter or discoloration. Do not use if these are present. Use only an infusion set with an in-line, sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein-binding filter (pore size 0.22 micrometer or less). Do not infuse SIMPONI ARIA concomitantly in the same intravenous line with other agents. No physical biochemical compatibility studies have been conducted to evaluate the use of SIMPONI ARIA with other intravenous agents in the same intravenous line. Infuse the diluted solution over 30 minutes. Once diluted, the infusion solution can b…
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious Infections: Do not start SIMPONI ARIA during an active infection. If an infection develops, monitor carefully, and stop SIMPONI ARIA if infection becomes serious ( 5.1 ). Invasive Fungal Infections: For patients who develop a systemic illness on SIMPONI ARIA, consider empiric antifungal therapy for those who reside in or travel to regions where mycoses are endemic ( 5.1 ). Hepatitis B Reactivation: Monitor HBV carriers during and several months after therapy. If reactivation occurs, stop SIMPONI ARIA and begin anti-viral therapy ( 5.1 ). Malignancies: More cases of lymphoma have been observed among patients receiving TNF blockers compared with patients in the control groups. Cases of other malignancies have been observed among patients receiving TNF blockers ( 5.2 ). Congestive Heart Failure: Worsening, or new onset, may occur. Stop SIMPONI ARIA if new or worsening symptoms occur ( 5.3 ). Demyelinating Disorders: Exacerbation or new onset may occur ( 5.4 ). Lupus-like Syndrome: Discontinue SIMPONI ARIA if symptoms develop ( 5.5 ). Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis may occur ( 5.11 ). 5.1 Serious Infections Patients treated with SIMPONI ARIA are at increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death. Opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or parasitic organisms including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis, and tuberculosis have been reported with TNF-blockers. Patients have frequently presented with disseminated rather than localized disease. The concomitant use of a TNF-blocker and abatacept or anakinra was associated with a higher risk of serious infections; therefore, the concomitant use of SIMPONI ARIA and these biologic products is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 , 5.7) and Drug Interactions (7.2) ] . Treatment with SIMPONI ARIA should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including clinically important localized infections. Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or methotrexate may be at greater risk of infection. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating SIMPONI ARIA in patients: with chronic or recurrent infection; who have been exposed to tuberculosis; with a history of an opportunistic infection; who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis; or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Monitoring Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with SIMPONI ARIA. Discontinue SIMPONI ARIA if a patient develops a serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. For patients who develop a new infection during treatment with SIMPONI ARIA, perform a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient and initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy and closely monitor them. Tuberculosis Cases of reactivation of tuberculosis or new tuberculosis infections have been observed in patients receiving TNF-blockers, including patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis. Evaluate patients for tuberculosis risk factors and test for latent infection prior to initiating SIMPONI ARIA and periodically during therapy. Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection prior to therapy with TNF-blockers has been shown to reduce the risk of tuberculosis reactivation during therapy. Prior to initiating SIMPONI ARIA, assess if treatment for latent tuberculosis is needed; An induration of 5 mm or greater is a positive tuberculin s…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Biologics, including abatacept and anakinra: Increased risk of serious infections ( 5.1 , 5.6 , 5.7 , 5.8 , 7.2 ). Live vaccines should not be given with SIMPONI ARIA ( 5.10 , 7.3 ). 7.1 Methotrexate SIMPONI ARIA should be used with MTX for the treatment of RA [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Following IV administration, concomitant administration of methotrexate decreases the clearance of SIMPONI ARIA by approximately 9% based on population pharmacokinetics (PK) analysis. In addition, concomitant administration of methotrexate decreases the SIMPONI ARIA clearance by reducing the development of antibodies to golimumab. 7.2 Biologic Products for RA, PsA, AS, and pJIA An increased risk of serious infections has been seen in clinical RA studies of other TNF-blockers used in combination with anakinra or abatacept, with no added benefit; therefore, use of SIMPONI ARIA with other biologic products, including abatacept or anakinra, is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 and 5.7) ] . A higher rate of serious infections has also been observed in RA patients treated with rituximab who received subsequent treatment with a TNF-blocker. The concomitant use of SIMPONI ARIA with biologics approved to treat RA, PsA, AS, and pJIA is not recommended because of the possibility of an increased risk of infection. 7.3 Live Vaccines/Therapeutic Infectious Agents Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with SIMPONI ARIA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] . Therapeutic infectious agents should not be given concurrently with SIMPONI ARIA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] . Infants born to women treated with SIMPONI ARIA during their pregnancy may be at increased risk of infection for up to 6 months. Administration of live vaccines to infants exposed to SIMPONI ARIA in utero is not recommended for 6 months following the mother's last SIMPONI ARIA infusion during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . 7.4 Cytochrome P450 Substrates The formation of CYP450 enzymes may be suppressed by increased levels of cytokines (e.g., TNFα) during chronic inflammation. Therefore, it is expected that for a molecule that antagonizes cytokine activity, such as golimumab, the formation of CYP450 enzymes could be normalized. Upon initiation or discontinuation of SIMPONI ARIA in patients being treated with CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, monitoring of the effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) is recommended and the individual dose of the drug product may be adjusted as needed.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from postmarketing case reports with golimumab use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. An observational study of northern European births observed similar unadjusted rates of major birth defects in infants exposed in utero to golimumab compared to no treatment or non-biologic systemic therapy. However, this study had important limitations ( see Data ). Monoclonal antibodies, such as golimumab, are transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in utero exposed infant. There are clinical considerations for the use of SIMPONI ARIA in pregnant women (see Clinical Considerations ) . In an animal reproductive study, golimumab administered by the subcutaneous route to pregnant monkeys, during the period of organogenesis, at doses that produced exposures approximately 200 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) had no adverse fetal effects. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and of miscarriage is 15–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Golimumab crosses the placenta during pregnancy. Another TNF-blocking monoclonal antibody administered during pregnancy was detected for up to 6 months in the serum of infants. Consequently, these infants may be at increased risk of infection. Administration of live vaccines to infants exposed to SIMPONI ARIA in utero is not recommended for 6 months following the mother's last SIMPONI ARIA infusion during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) and Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . Data Human Data An observational, exposure-based, cohort study based on data from the Swedish, Danish, and Finnish Medical Birth Registers conducted between 2006–2020 (Sweden and Denmark) and 2006–2019 (Finland) compared the risk of major birth defects in 134 live-born infants exposed to golimumab (116 from women treated for rheumatic conditions, 18 from women treated for ulcerative colitis) to no treatment or nonbiologic systemic therapy. The unadjusted rate of major birth defects in infants exposed in utero was similar across all groups. However, this study had important limitations such as a small number of pregnant women exposed to golimumab, a wide exposure ascertainment window, and incomplete risk adjustment for potential confounders. Animal Data In an embryofetal developmental toxicology study in which pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were treated with golimumab during the period of organogenesis from gestation days (GD) 20 to 51, exposures up to 200 times greater than the exposure at the MRHD (on an area under the curve (AUC) basis with maternal subcutaneous doses up to 50 mg/kg twice weekly) produced no evidence of fetal malformations or embryotoxicity. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity. Umbilical cord blood samples collected at the end of the second trimester showed that fetuses were exposed to golimumab during gestation. In a pre- and postnatal developmental study in which pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were treated with golimumab from gestation day 50 to postpartum day 33, maximal drug concentrations up to 33 times greater than that found with the MRHD (on a maximum blood concentration (C max ) basis at steady-state with maternal subcutaneous doses up to 50 mg/kg twice weekly) were not associated with any evidence of developmental defects in infants. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity. Golimumab was present in fetal serum at the end of the second trimester and in neonatal serum from the time of birth and for up to 6 months postpartum.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- drug ineffective21,220
- rheumatoid arthritis14,239
- pain13,542
- fatigue11,389
- off label use10,168
- joint swelling9,829
- arthralgia9,797
- rash9,429
- alopecia9,372
- drug intolerance8,890
- abdominal discomfort8,759
- swelling8,550
- systemic lupus erythematosus8,434
- contraindicated product administered8,345
- pemphigus8,181
- glossodynia8,024
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most serious adverse reactions were: Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 3%) are: upper respiratory tract infection, alanine aminotransferase increased, viral infection, aspartate aminotransferase increased, neutrophil count decreased, bronchitis, hypertension, and rash ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Janssen Biotech, Inc. at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety data described below are based on one, randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase 3 trial in patients with RA receiving SIMPONI ARIA by intravenous infusion (Trial RA). The protocol included provisions for patients taking placebo to receive treatment with SIMPONI ARIA at Week 16 or Week 24 either by patient response (based on uncontrolled disease activity) or by design, so that adverse events cannot always be unambiguously attributed to a given treatment. Comparisons between placebo and SIMPONI ARIA were based on the first 24 weeks of exposure. Trial RA included 197 control-treated patients and 463 SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients (which includes control-treated patients who switched to SIMPONI ARIA at Week 16). The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions in the controlled phase of Trial RA through Week 24 was 3.5% for SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients and 0.5% for placebo-treated patients. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most common adverse reaction reported in the trial through Week 24 occurring in 6.5% of SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients as compared with 7.6% of control-treated patients, respectively. Infections Serious infections observed in SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients included sepsis, pneumonia, cellulitis, abscess, opportunistic infections, tuberculosis (TB), and invasive fungal infections. Cases of TB included pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. The majority of the TB cases occurred in countries with a high incidence rate of TB [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In the controlled phase of Trial RA through Week 24, infections were observed in 27% of SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients compared with 24% of control-treated patients, and serious infections were observed in 0.9% of SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients and 0.0% of control-treated patients. Through Week 24, the incidence of serious infections per 100 patient-years of follow-up was 2.2 (95% CI 0.61, 5.71) for the SIMPONI ARIA group, and 0 (0.00, 3.79) for the placebo group. In the controlled and uncontrolled portions of Trial RA, 958 total patient-years of follow-up with a median follow-up of approximately 92 weeks, the incidence per 100 patient-years of all serious infections was 4.07 (95% CI: 2.90, 5.57) in patients receiving SIMPONI ARIA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In the controlled and uncontrolled portions of Trial RA, in SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients, the incidence of active TB per 100 patient-years was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.06; 0.92) and the incidence of other opportunistic infections per 100 patient-years was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.11, 1.07). Malignancies One case of malignancy other than lymphoma and NMSC with SIMPONI ARIA was reported through Week 24 during the controlled phase of Trial RA. In the controlled and uncontrolled portions through approximately 92 weeks, the incidence of malignancies per 100 patient-years, other than lymphoma and NMSC, in SIMPONI ARIA-treated patients was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.92) and the incidence of NMSC was 0.1 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.58). Liver Enzyme Elevations There have been reports of severe hepatic reactions including acute liv…
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