Simponi Aria Infusion Therapy

Simponi Aria is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

• moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and currently taking methotrexate
• active psoriatic arthritis
• active ankylosing spondylitis

What Is Simponi Aria?   

Simponi Aria (golimumab) is a prescription tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion.  

How Simponi Aria Works  

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a substance made by the immune system. People with certain autoimmune conditions produce too much TNF-alpha, leading the immune system to attack parts of the body and cause the symptoms of certain chronic conditions. Simponi Aria works by targeting and blocking the actions of the excess TNF-alpha produced in the body. 

What Is Simponi Aria Used For?  

Doctors order golimumab to treat several medical conditions. 

Simponi Aria treats: 

• moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and currently taking methotrexate 
• active psoriatic arthritis 
• active ankylosing spondylitis 

Simponi Aria Infusion Dosage and Administration  

Patients receive golimumab intravenously. Treatment time for a Simponi Aria infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts for 30 minutes. 

Dosage and Frequency  

 Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of golimumab, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the severity of the condition for which he or she is receiving treatment. 

The first two doses of Simponi Aria are administered 4 weeks apart. All following doses are administered once every 8 weeks. 

Administering Simponi Aria via IV Infusion  

1.  The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle. 
2. Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape. 
3. The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication. 

Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals. 

Simponi Aria Infusion Side Effects  

As with all medications, side effects are possible. 

Common side effects include: 

• Upper respiratory infection 
• Abnormal liver tests 
• Decreased blood cells that fight infection 
• Viral infections 
• Bronchitis 
• High blood pressure 
• Rash 

Serious side effects include: 

• Serious infections  
• Lymphoma 
• Cancer, including melanoma and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma 
• Heart failure 
• Nervous system problems 
• Lupus-like symptoms 
• Allergic reactions 

How To Prepare for a Simponi Aria Infusion  

It is essential that patients inform their physician if they currently have, or have had, any of the conditions listed below: 

• Heart problems 
• Serious or recurring infections 
• Psoriasis 
• Allergies to any of the ingredients in Simponi Aria 

How to Get a Referral for Simponi Aria IV Infusions  

Every Simponi Aria referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment. 

• Patient information should include: 
• Name 
• Current address 
• Home and mobile phone number 
• Insurance information 

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for Simponi Aria IV therapy: 

• Patient’s name and DOB 
• Order date 
• Diagnosis 
• Physician’s name and NPI# 
• Office address, phone, and fax numbers 
• Provider’s signature 

Supporting clinical documentation from the physician should include: 

• Results of a recent tuberculosis (TB) skin/lab testing 
• Patient’s current weight and height 
• Clinicals to support one or more of the following: 
• Patient has moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking methotrexate 
• Patient has active psoriatic arthritis 
• Patient has active ankylosing spondylitis 

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Simponi Aria infusions treat, you may want to learn more about IV infusion treatments with golimumab. To find an IVX Health infusion center near you, please click here. 

Patients chose IVX Health to receive their ongoing Simponi Aria treatments because:

• ALL private suites
• Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
• Evening & weekend appointments
• Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
• Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks