Simponi and Simponi Aria are brand-name medications. They’re FDA-approved to treat certain autoimmune conditions. (With an autoimmune condition, your immune system attacks your own body by mistake.)

The drugs are approved to treat these conditions in certain situations. For more information, see the “Simponi for ulcerative colitis” and “Other uses for Simponi and Simponi Aria” sections below.

* This form of arthritis affects five or more joints.

Simponi injection vs. Simponi Aria IV infusion

Simponi and Simponi Aria belong to a group of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. They may also be referred to as biologics.

Simponi is given as a subcutaneous injection. The drug comes in a prefilled single-dose syringe and SmartJect autoinjector. Both forms are available in two strengths: 50 milligrams per 0.5 milliliters (mg/mL) of liquid solution or 100 mg/1 mL of liquid solution.

Simponi Aria is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional. You’ll receive the medication in a doctor’s office, hospital, or infusion center. Simponi Aria comes in a vial in one strength: 50 mg/4 mL of liquid solution.

This article will discuss both Simponi and Simponi Aria.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Simponi and Simponi Aria, see the “Simponi for ulcerative colitis” and “Other uses for Simponi and Simponi Aria” sections below.

Simponi and Simponi Aria are available only as brand-name medications. The two drugs are biologics and are not currently available in biosimilar form. A biosimilar medication is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug).

Biologic drugs are created using living cells, so it’s not possible to copy these drugs exactly. Generic drugs are created using chemicals. Generics are exact copies of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Biosimilar drugs are equally as safe and effective as their parent medication. Biosimilars also usually cost less than the brand-name form of the drug.

As with all medications, the cost of Simponi injections and Simponi Aria infusions can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

For Simponi Aria, the price will also depend on the cost of the visit to a healthcare professional to receive your doses.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Simponi. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Simponi and Simponi Aria, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Simponi and Simponi Aria, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Simponi and Simponi Aria, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the manufacturer of Simponi and Simponi Aria, offers a program called Janssen CarePath that can help lower the cost of these drugs.

For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 877-227-3728. Or visit the program sites for Simponi and Simponi Aria.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Simponi may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Simponi, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic or biosimilar version

Simponi and Simponi Aria are available only as brand-name medications. The two drugs are biologics and are not currently available in biosimilar form. A biosimilar medication is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug).

Biologic drugs are created using living cells, so it’s not possible to copy these drugs exactly. Generic drugs are created using chemicals. Generics are exact copies of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Biosimilar drugs are equally as safe and effective as their parent medication. Biosimilars also usually cost less than the brand-name form of the drug.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Simponi to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults in certain situations:

  • You previously tried UC treatment that caused bothersome side effects or was not effective. These treatments include:
    • azathioprine
    • 6-mercaptopurine
  • Or you need to take corticosteroids, such as prednisone, daily to ease symptoms of UC.

Simponi Aria is not approved to treat UC.

Simponi and Simponi Aria have other indications (uses). See the “Other uses for Simponi and Simponi Aria” section below.

Ulcerative colitis explained

UC is a type of autoimmune condition. With an autoimmune condition, your immune system attacks your own body by mistake.

To be more specific, UC is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease. This refers to conditions that affect your intestines. UC affects your large intestine and can cause ulcers (sores) to develop inside it. Symptoms of UC may include:

Effectiveness for ulcerative colitis

Simponi is an effective treatment option for people with UC. In fact, the American Gastroenterological Association guidelines recommend Simponi for the treatment of moderate to severe UC.

For more information about how Simponi worked in clinical trials to treat UC, see the drug’s prescribing information.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Simponi and Simponi Aria to treat certain conditions. For more information about the indications (uses) of Simponi and Simponi Aria, see below. To learn about the use of Simponi to treat ulcerative colitis, see the “Simponi for ulcerative colitis” section above.

Simponi and Simponi Aria for rheumatoid arthritis

Both Simponi and Simponi Aria are FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults when it’s active. The term “active” means the condition currently causes symptoms. For this purpose, you should use both drugs in combination with another medication called methotrexate (Trexall).

RA is a type of autoimmune condition. With an autoimmune condition, your immune system attacks your own body by mistake. With RA, your immune system targets your joints. Symptoms of RA may include:

To find more articles about RA and other forms of arthritis, visit our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for rheumatoid arthritis

Simponi and Simponi Aria are effective treatment options for people with RA. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines recommend these medications. The guidelines specify the drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe RA when used in combination with methotrexate.

For more information about how these medications worked in clinical trials to treat RA, see the prescribing information for Simponi and Simponi Aria.

Simponi and Simponi Aria for psoriatic arthritis

Simponi and Simponi Aria are FDA-approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in certain situations. “Active” means the condition currently causes symptoms. Simponi is approved for use in adults alone or in combination with methotrexate.

Simponi Aria is approved to treat PsA in adults as well. But the medication can also be used in children ages 2 years and older.

PsA is a type of autoimmune condition. With an autoimmune condition, your immune system attacks your own body by mistake.

To be more specific, PsA is a type of arthritis that affects people with a condition called psoriasis. With psoriasis, scaly plaques (patches) tend to form on the skin. Symptoms of PsA may include:

  • joint pain or stiffness
  • swelling of your joints
  • fatigue

If you have PsA, consider joining the PsA community. You can find tips to improve your mental and emotional health, participate in live discussions, and more. You can also refer to our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for psoriatic arthritis

Simponi and Simponi Aria are effective treatment options for PsA. The ACR’s treatment guidelines for PsA recommend these medications.

For more information about how these medications worked in clinical trials to treat PsA, see the prescribing information for Simponi and Simponi Aria.

Simponi and Simponi Aria for ankylosing spondylitis

Simponi and Simponi Aria are both approved to treat active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults. “Active” means the condition currently causes symptoms.

AS is a type of autoimmune condition. With an autoimmune condition, your immune system attacks your own body by mistake.

To be more specific, AS is a kind of arthritis that occurs in your spine. It can cause symptoms such as:

  • decreased flexibility
  • pain in your spine
  • hunching over

If you’d like to learn more about AS and other forms of arthritis, visit our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for ankylosing spondylitis

Simponi and Simponi Aria are effective treatment options for people with AS. These drugs are recommended in the ACR treatment guidelines for AS.

For more information about how these medications worked in clinical trials to treat AS, see the prescribing information for Simponi and Simponi Aria.

Simponi Aria for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Simponi Aria is approved to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) that’s active in children ages 2 years and older. Simponi is not approved for this use.

Polyarticular arthritis affects five or more joints. “Active” means the condition currently causes symptoms.

pJIA is a type of autoimmune condition. With an autoimmune condition, your immune system attacks your own body by mistake.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects children. pJIA involves five or more joints. Symptoms of pJIA may include:

  • joint pain
  • swelling of the joints
  • limping or avoiding using an arm or leg

For more details about pJIA and other forms of arthritis, see our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Simponi Aria is an effective treatment option for children with pJIA. In fact, the ACR treatment guidelines recommend this medication for children with pJIA.

For more information about how Simponi Aria worked in clinical trials to treat pJIA, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Simponi Aria and children

Simponi is not approved for use in children. Simponi Aria is approved to treat:

  • psoriatic arthritis that’s active* in children ages 2 years and older
  • polyarticular† juvenile idiopathic arthritis that’s active* in children ages 2 years and older

Simponi Aria is an effective treatment option for children with either of these conditions.

For more information about the use of Simponi Aria in children, see “Simponi and Simponi Aria for psoriatic arthritis” and “Simponi Aria for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis” above.

* “Active” means the condition currently causes symptoms.
† This form of arthritis affects five or more joints.

In some situations, your doctor may recommend that you use Simponi or Simponi Aria in combination with other medications to treat your condition. For example, if you use either drug for rheumatoid arthritis or, in some cases, Simponi for psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may also prescribe methotrexate (Trexall).

Methotrexate helps reduce the time it takes for Simponi or Simponi Aria to leave your body. Methotrexate does this by helping prevent antibodies to the medication from forming. (An antibody is a type of protein in your immune system.) If Simponi or Simponi Aria is in your body for a longer time, it may be more effective in treating your condition.

Your doctor will help determine the right treatment plan for you.

Whether your doctor prescribes Simponi or Simponi Aria, be sure to follow the instructions they give you.

How Simponi is given

Simponi is given as a subcutaneous injection. This is an injection that’s given just under the skin. The drug comes in two forms: a prefilled single-dose syringe and a SmartJect autoinjector. You can talk with your doctor about which form you prefer to use.

Your doctor or pharmacist should be able to show you how to self-inject so you can give yourself doses at home. They can train you on the best injection technique for you.

Whichever form you use, you’ll inject your dose into the front of your thigh, your lower belly, or the back of your upper arm. For detailed instructions on how to use the prefilled syringe or autoinjector, see the drug’s Instructions for use. The manufacturer’s website also has instruction videos.

How Simponi Aria is given

Simponi Aria is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional. (An infusion is an injection into a vein that’s given over time.) You’ll receive the medication in a doctor’s office, hospital, or infusion center. Simponi Aria infusions usually last about 30 minutes.

When the drugs are given

If you use Simponi, you should administer your dose once per month. For ulcerative colitis, you’ll administer your second dose 2 weeks after the first. Then you should administer your dose once per month.

If you use Simponi Aria, you’ll have your second dose 4 weeks after the first. Then you’ll need a dose once every 8 weeks.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

The Simponi or Simponi Aria dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • whether you use Simponi or Simponi Aria
  • the type and severity of the condition you use Simponi or Simponi Aria to treat
  • the form of Simponi you use
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • your body weight

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Simponi is given as a subcutaneous injection. The drug comes in a prefilled single-dose syringe and a SmartJect autoinjector. Both forms are available in two strengths: 50 milligrams per 0.5 milliliters (mg/mL) of liquid solution or 100 mg/1 mL of liquid solution.

Simponi Aria is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional. You’ll receive the medication in a doctor’s office, hospital, or infusion center. Simponi Aria comes in a vial in one strength: 50 mg/4 mL of liquid solution.

Dosage for ulcerative colitis

To treat ulcerative colitis (UC), the starting dose of Simponi is 200 mg. (Depending on the strength your doctor prescribes, this may be two or four subcutaneous injections.) Then you’ll give yourself a dose of 100 mg 2 weeks later. After that, you can begin a maintenance dosage of 100 mg once every 4 weeks.

Simponi Aria is not approved to treat UC.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

The dosage of Simponi for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is 50 mg once per month. (This is one subcutaneous injection.)

The dose of Simponi Aria for RA is based on your body weight. Your dose will be 2 mg/kilogram (kg), given as an IV infusion. One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).

For example, if you weigh 70 kg (about 154 lb), your dose would be 140 mg. After your first dose, you’ll receive this dosage 4 weeks later, then every 8 weeks after that.

To treat RA, you’ll use Simponi or Simponi Aria in combination with methotrexate (Trexall).

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

The adult dosage of Simponi for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is 50 mg once per month. (This is one subcutaneous injection.)

The adult dosage of Simponi Aria for PsA depends on your body weight. Your dose will be 2 mg/kg given as an IV infusion. One kg equals about 2.2 lb.

For example, if you weigh 70 kg (about 154 lb), your dose would be 140 mg. After your first dose, you’ll receive this dosage 4 weeks later, then every 8 weeks after that.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you use Simponi in combination with methotrexate.

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

The dosage of Simponi for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is 50 mg once per month. (This is one subcutaneous injection.)

The dosage of Simponi Aria for AS is based on your body weight. Your dose will be 2 mg/kg given as an IV infusion. One kg equals about 2.2 lb.

For example, if you weigh 70 kg (about 154 lb), your dose would be 140 mg. After your first dose, you’ll receive this dosage 4 weeks later, then every 8 weeks after that.

Dosage for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Simponi Aria is approved to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) that’s active in children ages 2 years and older. Polyarticular arthritis affects five or more joints. “Active” means the condition currently causes symptoms.

The dose your child needs will depend on their body surface area, which their doctor can determine. The dose of Simponi Aria will be 80 mg/m2 of body weight, given as an IV infusion. After your child’s first dose, they’ll receive this dosage 4 weeks later, then every 8 weeks after that.

Simponi is not approved to treat pJIA.

Children’s dosage

Simponi Aria is approved to treat active:

  • psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in children ages 2 years and older
  • polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children ages 2 years and older

The dosage of Simponi Aria for children with PsA is the same as the dosage for pJIA. See “Dosage for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis” above.

Simponi is not approved for use in children.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Simponi, inject it as soon as you remember. You can continue your regular treatment schedule after that.

If you miss an appointment for a dose of Simponi Aria, reschedule it as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about when your next dose should be after you miss a dose of either drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Simponi and Simponi Aria are meant to be used as long-term treatments. If you and your doctor determine that Simponi or Simponi Aria is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

Simponi and Simponi Aria can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Simponi and Simponi Aria. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Simponi and Simponi Aria, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Simponi and Simponi Aria, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Simponi or Simponi Aria can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Simponi and Simponi Aria. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or refer to the prescribing information for Simponi and Simponi Aria.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Simponi and Simponi Aria are not common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
† Simponi and Simponi Aria have a boxed warning about this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Serious infections

Using Simponi or Simponi Aria may increase the risk of developing a serious infection.* In fact, both drugs have boxed warnings about this risk. A boxed warning is the most serious type of warning from the FDA. The purpose of a boxed warning is to help make sure that people prescribing and using the medication are aware of its risks.

Because Simponi and Simponi Aria may weaken your immune system, you’re at an increased risk of infections while using either drug. Most infections are typically mild. But they could be severe and lead to a hospital stay or, in some cases, death. Severe infections can include fungal and bacterial infections, and tuberculosis (TB).

* To find out how often serious infections occurred in clinical studies, see the prescribing information for Simponi and Simponi Aria.

Symptoms of infection

Throughout your treatment with Simponi or Simponi Aria, your doctor will monitor you for infection. Symptoms to watch for may include:

If you develop symptoms of an infection, see your doctor right away. They can determine the cause and recommend treatment so that it doesn’t become serious. If you develop a serious infection, your doctor will usually have you stop taking the drug. They’ll also treat the infection.

Other steps your doctor may take

Your doctor will also likely test you for certain infections before you start treatment with Simponi or Simponi Aria. For example, they may test you for tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis B because the drugs can worsen these infections.

The medications may also cause these infections to become active again if you had them in the past but currently don’t have symptoms. If you do have an infection, your doctor will recommend treating it before you start using Simponi or Simponi Aria.

If you have additional questions about the risk of serious infections during your treatment, talk with your doctor.

Cancer

The use of Simponi or Simponi Aria may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma, leukemia, or skin cancer. Both drugs have boxed warnings about this risk. A boxed warning is the most serious warning about a drug. The purpose of the warning is to alert doctors and people who take the drug about the medication’s risks.

This side effect is not common.* But the cancer may, in some cases, be fatal. Cancer has been reported in children and young adults who began taking medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers at age 18 years or younger. Simponi and Simponi Aria are types of TNF blockers.

You should be aware of the possible symptoms of cancer so you can see your doctor right away if you develop them. These can include:

  • weight loss
  • frequent infections
  • fever
  • lump on your skin

Your doctor will also monitor you throughout your treatment with Simponi or Simponi Aria for symptoms of cancer. In addition, they may recommend that you have skin exams to check for any changes or growths on your skin that can lead to skin cancer.

If you have additional questions about the risk of cancer while using either medication, talk with your doctor. You should also tell them if you have a history of cancer. See the “Simponi and Simponi Aria precautions” section to learn more.

* To find out how often cancer occurred in clinical studies, see the prescribing information for Simponi and Simponi Aria.

Skin reactions

Skin reactions may occur with the use of Simponi or Simponi Aria. The reactions that you experience may depend on which drug you use.

Simponi is given as a subcutaneous injection, which is an injection that’s given just under your skin. After injecting a dose, you may also experience pain, irritation, or itching at the injection site.

Simponi Aria is given as an IV infusion. During and after receiving a dose, a rash can occur. This was the most common infusion reaction that people using Simponi Aria reported. None of these reactions were considered serious.

In some cases, skin reactions may be symptoms of other side effects:

  • Simponi and Simponi Aria can cause a type of immune system reaction called lupus-like syndrome. One of its symptoms is a rash on your cheeks or body.
  • The drugs can also cause hepatitis B to come back if you have a history of the infection. A possible symptom of hepatitis B is a skin rash.
  • A skin rash may also be a symptom of an allergic reaction, which can be serious. (For more information, see “Allergic reaction” below.)

If you develop a skin rash when you use Simponi or Simponi Aria, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the cause of the rash and see if it needs treatment.

To find out how often skin reactions occurred in clinical studies, see the prescribing information for Simponi and Simponi Aria. If you have additional questions about skin reactions during treatment with either drug, talk with your doctor.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after using Simponi or Simponi Aria.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Simponi or Simponi Aria, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Simponi or Simponi Aria. But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe either drug in combination with methotrexate (Trexall).* Methotrexate may cause liver problems. Because alcohol may also cause liver problems, taking methotrexate and drinking alcohol may further increase your risk.

Talk with your doctor to determine how much alcohol, if any, you can drink while you use Simponi or Simponi Aria.

* To learn more, see the “Simponi and Simponi Aria use with other drugs” section above.

Simponi and Simponi Aria can interact with other medications.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the number of side effects or make them more severe.

Simponi and Simponi Aria and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Simponi and Simponi Aria. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Simponi and Simponi Aria.

Before using Simponi and Simponi Aria, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Types of drugs that may interact with Simponi or Simponi Aria may include:

  • Other biologic drugs. Using Simponi or Simponi Aria in combination with other biologic drugs may increase your risk of serious infection.* There does not appear to be any benefit in using more than one biologic at a time. Due to this interaction, your doctor will likely not prescribe Simponi or Simponi Aria in combination with other biologic drugs. Examples of other biologic drugs include:
    • anakinra (Kineret)
  • Drugs broken down by an enzyme called cytochrome P450s. Some medications are broken down by an enzyme called cytochrome P450s (CYP450) to help them leave the body. If you take one or more of these drugs with Simponi or Simponi Aria, you may need a higher dose of those drugs than usual. Examples of these other medications include:
    • theophylline (Theo-24)

* Simponi and Simponi Aria have a boxed warning about serious infection. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see “Side effect details” in the “Simponi and Simponi Aria side effects” section above.

Simponi and Simponi Aria and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Simponi or Simponi Aria. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while using either medication.

Simponi and Simponi Aria and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Simponi or Simponi Aria. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with these medications, talk with your doctor.

Simponi and Simponi Aria and vaccines

Your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid live vaccines while you use Simponi or Simponi Aria. These medications may weaken your immune system. Live vaccines work by exposing your body to a small amount of live virus or bacterium. If your immune system isn’t working as well as it should, you could develop an infection from a live vaccine. Examples of live vaccines include:

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any vaccines that you need before starting Simponi or Simponi Aria treatment.

Simponi and Simponi Aria are approved to treat certain autoimmune conditions. These conditions occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. Inflammation, pain, and stomach ulcers (sores) are some possible symptoms.

Specifically, Simponi and Simponi Aria are approved to treat:

Simponi is also approved to treat ulcerative colitis. Simponi Aria is also approved to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The drugs are used to treat these conditions in certain situations. For more information, see the “Simponi for ulcerative colitis” and “Other uses for Simponi and Simponi Aria” sections above.

It’s believed that people with autoimmune conditions have increased levels of a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in their blood or joints. High levels of TNF-alpha may increase inflammation and cause symptoms of the autoimmune conditions. Simponi and Simponi Aria work by blocking the action of TNF-alpha. This may help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of your condition.

How long do they take to work?

Simponi and Simponi Aria will begin to work after your first dose. However, because of the way the drugs work to reduce inflammation, it may take weeks before you notice a difference in your symptoms. It is important to continue using Simponi or Simponi Aria, even if you don’t notice a change in your symptoms right away.

How long the drug takes to work may also depend on which condition you use Simponi or Simponi Aria to treat. Talk with your doctor about when you can expect a difference in your symptoms.

It is not known if it is safe to use Simponi and Simponi Aria during pregnancy or what effects the drugs may have on a developing fetus. However, both drugs can go through the placenta (an organ that grows in your womb while you’re pregnant). So, the developing fetus can be exposed to either drug if you use it during pregnancy.

In animal studies, high doses of Simponi given to pregnant animals did not cause problems with fetal development. (These problems are commonly known as birth defects.) But animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using Simponi or Simponi Aria. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

It is not known if Simponi and Simponi Aria are safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while using Simponi or Simponi Aria.

For more information about using Simponi and Simponi Aria during pregnancy, see the “Simponi and Simponi Aria and pregnancy” section above.

It is not known if Simponi and Simponi Aria are safe to use while breastfeeding. It’s also not known if the drugs pass into breast milk or what effects they may have on a child who is breastfed.

In animal studies, Simponi passed into breast milk. But animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans.

If you’re breastfeeding or considering it, talk with your doctor before using Simponi or Simponi Aria. They can review your treatment options and healthy ways to feed a child.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Simponi and Simponi Aria.

Will Simponi and Simponi Aria cure my condition?

No, Simponi and Simponi Aria will not cure your condition. In fact, there are currently no cures for the conditions the drugs treat.

These conditions* are:

Instead, Simponi and Simponi Aria will work to ease the symptoms your condition causes. The drugs may also cause your condition to flare up less often. You can talk with your doctor about what to expect from using Simponi or Simponi Aria.

* The drugs are used to treat these conditions in certain situations. For more information, see the “Simponi for ulcerative colitis” and “Other uses for Simponi and Simponi Aria” sections above.

If I’m using either Simponi or Simponi Aria, can I switch to the other?

It’s possible that you may be able to switch from one medication to the other. Both drugs are used to treat RA, PsA, and AS in adults. However, at this time, the manufacturer of Simponi and Simponi Aria doesn’t have any recommendations about the best way to switch or when to switch drugs.

If you’re interested in switching between Simponi and Simponi Aria, talk with your doctor about the best way to do so.

Can older people use Simponi or Simponi Aria?

In most cases, older people can use Simponi or Simponi Aria. In studies, there were no differences in side effects between older and younger people using Simponi for RA, PsA, or AS.


There were not enough older adults in the studies to determine if there would be a difference in side effects in people using Simponi for UC. It’s also not known if older adults may be at an increased risk of side effects when using Simponi Aria.

However, older people may be at an increased risk of developing infections. Simponi and Simponi Aria may weaken the immune system. The immune system also becomes less effective as you age. So older adults who use the medications may be more likely than usual to develop infections, some of which can be serious.*

If you’re an older adult thinking of using Simponi or Simponi Aria, talk with your doctor to see if it may be a good treatment option for you.

* Simponi and Simponi Aria have a boxed warning about serious infection. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see “Side effect details” in the “Simponi and Simponi Aria side effects” section above.

Simponi and Simponi Aria come with several precautions.

FDA warnings

Simponi and Simponi Aria have boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Serious infections. Using Simponi or Simponi Aria may increase the risk of developing a serious infection. These can include fungal and bacterial infections, and tuberculosis (TB). These infections could lead to a hospital stay or, in some cases, death. Your doctor will likely test you for TB before you start using either medication. They’ll also monitor you for symptoms of infection throughout your treatment.

If you develop a serious infection, your doctor will usually have you stop taking the drug. They’ll also treat the infection.

Cancer. Simponi and Simponi Aria may increase the risk of developing cancer, such as lymphoma. The cancer may, in some cases, be fatal. Cancer has been reported in children and young adults who began taking medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers at age 18 years or younger. Simponi and Simponi Aria are types of TNF blockers.

For more information about these boxed warnings, see “Side effect details” in the “Simponi and Simponi Aria side effects” section above.

Other precautions

Before using Simponi or Simponi Aria, talk with your doctor about your health history. Simponi and Simponi Aria may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include the ones mentioned below.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Simponi and Simponi Aria, see the “Simponi and Simponi Aria side effects” section above.

History of cancer. As mentioned in the boxed warning above, Simponi and Simponi Aria may increase the risk of developing cancer. If you have or had cancer in the past, your risk of developing cancer with the medications may increase further. Be sure to tell your doctor about any history of cancer before you start using either drug. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

Hepatitis B. Before using Simponi or Simponi Aria, tell your doctor if you’ve had an infection called hepatitis B. The virus that causes hepatitis B may still be in your body even if you don’t have symptoms. Using the medications may make the virus active again.

If you have a history of hepatitis B, your doctor will likely monitor you for symptoms throughout your treatment with Simponi or Simponi Aria. If the infection returns, they’ll usually recommend that you stop using either medication and start treatment for the infection.

Heart failure. Simponi and Simponi Aria may cause heart failure to become worse. If you have heart failure, your doctor may monitor your heart condition more frequently than usual. If you develop worsening symptoms of heart failure, they may recommend that you stop Simponi or Simponi Aria treatment.

Nerve conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. If you have any nerve conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, be sure to tell your doctor before you start using Simponi or Simponi Aria. These medications can make your nerve condition worse. If you notice any worsening symptoms of your nerve condition, be sure to talk with your doctor. They may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Psoriasis. If you have psoriasis, using Simponi or Simponi Aria may make your psoriasis symptoms worse. Your doctor may monitor you more often than usual. If your symptoms worsen, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Recent vaccination. If you have had any recent vaccinations, tell your doctor before starting Simponi or Simponi Aria treatment. They may recommend that you wait a few weeks after receiving a live vaccine before you start using either medication. To learn more, see “Simponi and Simponi Aria and vaccines” in the “Simponi and Simponi Aria interactions” section above.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Simponi or Simponi Aria or any of their ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Simponi or Simponi Aria. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Latex allergy. Before you use Simponi, tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy. The needle cover on the syringe and SmartJect autoinjector contains a type of rubber. If you’re allergic to latex, you could have an allergic reaction to the rubber. Your doctor can advise you on whether Simponi is right for you.

Pregnancy. It is not known if Simponi and Simponi Aria are safe to use during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Simponi and Simponi Aria and pregnancy” section above.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Simponi and Simponi Aria are safe to use while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Simponi and Simponi Aria and breastfeeding” section above.

Do not use more Simponi than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

You’ll receive Simponi Aria from a healthcare professional, and it’s unlikely that they’ll give you more than the recommended dose of the drug.

What to do in case you use too much Simponi

If you think you’ve used too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Simponi from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the package. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication. (A healthcare professional administers Simponi Aria, so they’ll provide that medication.)

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

You should store Simponi in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). If needed, you can keep Simponi at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) for up to 30 days. If you take the drug out of the refrigerator and it comes to room temperature, you should not put the medication back into the refrigerator. If you can’t use the room-temperature drug within 30 days, discard the medication.

You should keep your medication in its original packaging to protect the drug from light until you’re ready to use it.

Disposal

Right after you’ve used a prefilled syringe or autoinjector, dispose of it in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident or harming themselves with the needle. You can buy a sharps container online or ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health insurance company where to get one.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Simponi Images