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Humira vs. Simponi

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

Key takeaways

Humira (adalimumab) and Simponi (golimumab) are both injectable medications used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Humira is available in both brand and biosimilar forms, while Simponi is only available as a brand medication, which can make it more expensive. Humira is typically injected every other week, whereas Simponi is injected once a month, making Simponi more convenient for some people. Humira can be used for a wider range of conditions, including Crohn's disease and hidradenitis suppurativa, while Simponi is not approved for these conditions. Both medications block tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to reduce inflammation, but Simponi is also available as an intravenous infusion (Simponi Aria), which is administered by a healthcare provider. Additionally, Humira can be used in young children for certain conditions, whereas Simponi's prefilled syringe and autoinjector are only for adults, with children needing the IV infusion. Both medications raise the risk of serious infections and certain cancers, and neither should be used with live vaccines.

Humira

(adalimumab)

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Simponi

(golimumab)

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Summary for Humira

Prescription only

Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.

Indications for Humira

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

  • Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
  • Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
  • Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
  • Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
  • Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed

Cons

  • Raises the risk of serious infections
  • Can take a few weeks or longer to work
  • Might be difficult to inject for some people
  • Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
  • Might contain rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy

Common Side Effects for Humira

  • Injection-site reaction (20%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
  • Headache (12%)
  • Rash (12%)
  • Sinus inflammation (11%)
  • Accidental injury (10%)
  • Nausea (9%)
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.

Warnings for Humira

  • Serious infections
  • Cancers
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Nervous system effects
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Heart failure
  • Lupus-like syndrome
  • Live vaccines

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 Humira vs. Simponi

Price Card Drug Icon
Humira1 carton / 2 pens of 40mg/0.4ml
$6,380.16$8,560.65
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Price Card Drug Icon
Simponi1 smartject / 0.5ml of 50mg/0.5ml
$5,937.58-
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