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Remicade vs. Simponi

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

Key takeaways

Remicade (infliximab) and Simponi (golimumab) are both injectable medications used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Remicade is given through an IV infusion by a healthcare provider, while Simponi can be administered either as a subcutaneous injection. It is also available as an IV infusion under the brand name Simponi Aria. Remicade is available only as a brand medication, whereas Simponi is also only available as a brand medication, making both potentially expensive. Remicade is also available as a brand name medication, but is has several biosimilars available, potentially making it more affordable. Remicade is typically given every 6 to 8 weeks, whereas Simponi is usually injected once a month. Additionally, Remicade can be used in children 6 years and older for certain conditions, while Simponi is available in prefilled syringe and autoinjector forms which are only approved for use in adults. The IV infusion dosage form of Simponi can be used in children. Both medications raise the risk of serious infections and have similar side effects, including causing lupus-like syndrome.

Remicade

(infliximab)

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Simponi

(golimumab)

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Summary for Remicade

Prescription only

Remicade (infliximab) is an injectable medication used to treat many autoimmune conditions, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It's given through an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider.

Indications for Remicade

  • Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)
  • Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
  • Severe plaque psoriasis (PsO)

Pros and Cons for Remicade

Pros

  • Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
  • Typically only needs to be given every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Can be used in children 6 years of age and older for UC and CD

Cons

  • Can only be given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional
  • Can cause a lot of side effects
  • Brand name only, which can be expensive

Common Side Effects for Remicade

  • Infections
  • Nausea
  • Infusion-related reactions (e.g., headache, flushing, shortness of breath, rash)
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Rash
  • Bronchitis
  • Indigestion
  • Tiredness
  • General pain
  • Joint pain

Warnings for Remicade

  • Serious or deadly infections
  • Cancer
  • Liver problems and liver failure
  • Heart problems
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Nervous system problems
  • Medications to avoid

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 Remicade vs. Simponi

Price Card Drug Icon
Remicade4 vials / 100mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Simponi1 smartject / 0.5ml of 50mg/0.5ml
$5,943.50-
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