Health Canada approves golimumab (Simponi)

Canadians living with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis may benefit from a newly approved drug, golimumab (Simponi).

According to a press release issued by the manufacturer, Schering-Plough, the once monthly injection – alone or in combination with another drug, methotrexate, proved helpful in five different trials and patients who had rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis found that, on average, their signs and symptoms had decreased.

Of course, this medication does have some side effects as all medications do, so doctors should be careful in prescribing golimumab. For example, patients with severe infections or who are allergic to latex shouldn’t take this mediation.

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Image: Newscom