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Pharmacology · TNF inhibitors

Golimumab !

A human anti-TNF antibody given by injection under the skin or by infusion, for rheumatoid, psoriatic and spinal arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

Updated 2026-11-01

  • Class: TNF inhibitors
  • Target: Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)
  • ATC code: L04AB06

The figure shows human TNF bound to the variable fragment (Fv) of golimumab.

Target in 3D: Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). PDB structure 5YOY (RCSB PDB, public domain). View the structure at RCSB PDB

Mechanism of action

Golimumab is a human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that binds soluble and membrane TNF-α and blocks its receptors.

  1. Human IgG1 binds TNF-α
  2. TNF receptors stay unoccupied
  3. Inflammation and joint damage fall

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
Subcutaneous injection, or intravenous infusion for one form
Metabolism
Broken down like other antibodies

Indications

Adverse effects

Common

  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Injection-site reactions

Contraindications

  • Active serious infection, including active tuberculosis
  • Hypersensitivity to golimumab

Key interactions

Anakinra or abatacept
More serious infections without added benefit; not combined.
Live vaccines
Risk of infection by the vaccine strain; avoided during treatment.
Other immunosuppressants (glucocorticoids, methotrexate, azathioprine)
Additive risk of infection; azathioprine or mercaptopurine with a TNF blocker has been linked to hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma.

What is monitored

  • Latent tuberculosis test before starting, and watch for active TB during and after treatment even if the test was negative
  • Hepatitis B screening before starting
  • Signs of infection at every visit
  • Skin checks for cancer

Administration and safety

  • Subcutaneous pen or syringe; the intravenous form is a separate product, given by infusion in a clinic.
  • Kept refrigerated in its carton.

Nursing care

  • Confirm that the latent TB test and hepatitis B screening are done (and treated if positive) before the first dose.
  • Do not give the dose during an active infection; report fever, cough, night sweats or weight loss.
  • Check that vaccines are up to date before starting; live vaccines are avoided during treatment.
  • Ask about heart failure and neurological disease before starting.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If it is used during pregnancy, the baby may need some vaccines later than usual, so the baby's doctor is told.

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Which bowel disease is an indication for golimumab?

Ulcerative colitis.

Is golimumab a chimeric or a human antibody?

Human IgG1κ (unlike infliximab, which is chimeric).

Which infection must be excluded before golimumab, as with every TNF inhibitor?

Latent tuberculosis (and hepatitis B).

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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: Golimumab Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 39 (McGraw Hill, 2023); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.