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Compare Simponi vs. Enbrel

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

Key takeaways

Simponi (golimumab) and Enbrel (etanercept) are both injectable biologic medications used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Simponi is a monoclonal antibody that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to reduce inflammation and doesn't currently have a biosimilar approved. It is used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ulcerative colitis (UC). Simponi is typically injected once a month, except for UC, which has a different dosing schedule. Enbrel, also a monoclonal antibody, binds to TNF to help with inflammation and is used for a variety of conditions such as RA, PsA, and childhood arthritis. Enbrel is typically injected once a week and has biosimilars approved but not available yet. Both medications raise the risk of serious infections and certain cancers, but Enbrel has a higher reported rate of injection site reactions and infections. Additionally, Enbrel can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days, while Simponi can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days.

drug combination

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  • Simponi (golimumab)
    Enbrel (etanercept)
  • Simponi (golimumab)
    Enbrel (etanercept)

  • Summary of Simponi vs. Enbrel

    Summary for TNF blocker
    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.

    Summary for Biologic DMARD
    Prescription only

    Enbrel (etanercept) is a weekly injection used for many autoimmune conditions. Currently, it's only available as a brand-name product and can be expensive.

  • Indications of Simponi vs. Enbrel

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (in combination with methotrexate (Trexall))
    •Moderate-to-severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (alone or in combination with methotrexate (Trexall))
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) when other treatment options haven't worked well
    Indications for
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
    •Childhood arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA)

  • Pros and Cons of Simponi vs. Enbrel

    Pros and Const for TNF blocker
    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
    Pros and Const for Biologic DMARD
    Pros
    •Available in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy-at-home injections
    •Can be used in children age 2 and older for certain indications (JIA)
    •Can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days
    •Manufacturer offers copay card for people with commercial insurance
    •Not many side effects other than infection and redness and irritation at the injection site
    Cons
    •Raises risk of serious infections
    •Can cause the hepatitis B virus to reappear if you have a history of infection
    •Lymphoma and other cancers have been reported in people taking Enbrel (etanercept)
    •Available only as a brand medication so it can be expensive and isn't always covered by insurance
    •Needs to be given every week, unlike Humira (adalimumab), which is given every other week

  • Common Side Effects of Simponi vs. Enbrel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (16%)
    •Injection site reactions, including pain and bruising (6%)
    •Viral infections (5%)
    •Higher liver enzymes (up to 4%)
    •High blood pressure (3%)

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

    Common Side Effects for
    •Infection (including common cold/flu) (50%)
    •Injection site reaction (37%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)

  • Warnings of Simponi vs. Enbrel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Risk of cancer
    •Heart failure
    •Nervous system problems
    •Lupus-like syndrome
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Serious medication interactions
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Cancers
    •Nervous system effects
    •Heart failure
    •Bleeding and infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Simponi vs. Enbrel

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    Learn more about Enbrel

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