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Enbrel vs. Simponi

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Enbrel (etanercept) and Simponi (golimumab) are both injectable medications used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Enbrel is a biologic DMARD available only as a brand-name product and has several biosimilars, while Simponi is also a brand-name medication but comes in two forms: Simponi for subcutaneous injection and Simponi Aria for intravenous infusion. Enbrel is typically injected once a week, whereas Simponi is injected once a month, making Simponi more convenient for some people. Enbrel is used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and childhood arthritis, while Simponi is also approved for ulcerative colitis. Both medications can raise the risk of serious infections and certain cancers, but Simponi has additional warnings for lupus-like syndrome and low blood cell counts. Enbrel can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days, whereas Simponi can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days.

Enbrel

(etanercept)

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Simponi

(golimumab)

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Summary for Enbrel

Prescription only

Enbrel (etanercept) is used for certain autoimmune conditions in adults and children. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. It works as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker to reduce inflammation in the body. Enbrel (etanercept) is given as an injection under the skin, typically once a week. It comes as vials and prefilled syringes. There are also Enbrel SureClick autoinjectors, as well as Enbrel Mini prefilled cartridges for AutoTouch autoinjectors. Side effects include infections and injection site reactions.

Indications for Enbrel

Pros and Cons for Enbrel

Pros

  • Available in many options for at-home injections (e.g., prefilled syringes, autoinjectors)
  • Can be used for children age 2 and older with certain kinds of juvenile arthritis
  • Can be used for both adults and children 4 years and up for plaque psoriasis

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection under the skin
  • Must give injection every week
  • Raises the risk of serious infections

Common Side Effects for Enbrel

  • Infection (27%)
  • Injection site reaction (15%)

Warnings for Enbrel

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Risk of cancers
  • Problems with the nervous system
  • Heart failure
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Not recommended for certain people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
  • Not recommended with Kineret (anakinra) or Orencia (abatacept)
  • Caution use in people with moderate or severe liver damage from alcohol use

Summary for Simponi

Prescription only

Simponi (golimumab) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker (or inhibitor). It's used to treat many types of inflammatory conditions in adults, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and ulcerative colitis (UC). Simponi (golimumab) is given as an injection under the skin, typically once per month. Side effects of this medication include upper respiratory tract infections, injection-site reactions, and high blood pressure.

Indications for Simponi

Pros and Cons for Simponi

Pros

  • Can be injected at home (after training from the prescriber)
  • Available in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector
  • Can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days
  • Injected monthly for most conditions

Cons

  • Only approved for adults
  • Not available as a generic
  • Raises the risk of serious infections
  • Given as an injection

Common Side Effects for Simponi

Note: Side effects were reported by people who also took other medications (including methotrexate or corticosteroids) at the same time.

Warnings for Simponi

  • Serious infections
  • Risk of cancer
  • Heart failure
  • Nervous system problems
  • Lupus-like syndrome
  • Lower blood cell counts
  • Serious medication interactions
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Enbrel vs. Simponi

Price Card Drug Icon
Enbrel1 carton / 4 sureclicks of 50mg
$3,353.53$10,463.30
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Simponi1 smartject / 0.5ml of 50mg/0.5ml
$5,943.50-
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