abatacept vs golimumab
Side-by-side comparison of abatacept and golimumab Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
moderate Known Drug Interaction
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Biologics, including abatacept and anakinra: Increased risk of serious infections ( 5.1 , 5.6 , 5.7 , 5.8 , 7.2 ). 7.2 Biologic Products for RA, PsA, AS, and pJIA An increased risk of serious infections has been seen in clinical RA studies of other TNF-blockers used in combination with anakinra or abatacept, with no added benefit; therefore, use of SIMPONI ARIA with other biologic products, including abatacept or anakinra, is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 and 5.7) ] .
Recommendation: This combination is not recommended. Talk to your doctor about using only one of these biologic treatments at a time.
Orencia is a medicine that helps to reduce inflammation. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Simponi Aria is a medicine that blocks a protein called TNF. It is used to treat certain kinds of arthritis and a spine problem called ankylosing spondylitis.
Orencia treats rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It also treats polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years and older. Orencia can also treat active psoriatic arthritis in patients 2 years and older. Finally, it can prevent acute graft versus host disease after a stem cell transplant.
Simponi Aria treats rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. For rheumatoid arthritis, you will take this medicine with methotrexate.
Orencia works by blocking the activity of certain immune cells called T cells. These T cells can cause inflammation and damage to your joints and other tissues. By blocking T cell activity, Orencia can help reduce inflammation and relieve your symptoms.
Simponi Aria is a TNF blocker. TNF is a protein in the body that can cause inflammation. By blocking TNF, Simponi Aria can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- • Headache
- • Upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold)
- • Runny nose
- • Nausea
- • Upper respiratory infection (like a cold)
- • Increased liver enzymes
- • Viral infection
- • Decreased neutrophil count (a type of white blood cell)
- • Bronchitis
- The medicine is not working 38,612
- Rheumatoid arthritis 23,596
- Pain 21,295
- Joint pain 20,151
- Swollen joint 19,709
- The medicine is not working 21,070
- Rheumatoid arthritis 14,099
- Pain 13,403
- Tiredness 11,277
- Using the medicine for a condition it is not approved for 9,986
Using Orencia with a TNF antagonist or other biologic medicines can raise your risk of serious infections. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. Orencia can also cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling, or hives.
Simponi Aria can increase your risk of serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. These include tuberculosis (TB) and fungal infections. You should be tested for TB before starting this medicine. Children and adolescents taking TNF blockers like Simponi Aria have a higher risk of lymphoma and other cancers, some of which have been fatal.
There is not enough information about Orencia use in pregnant women to know if it is safe. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Simponi Aria can cross the placenta and may affect your baby's immune system. Live vaccines are not recommended for infants exposed to Simponi Aria in the womb for 6 months after the mother's last dose.
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How to Read This abatacept vs golimumab Comparison
abatacept is classified in the T-Cell Co-Stimulation Modulator drug class, while golimumab sits within the TNF-Alpha Inhibitor (Biologic) class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, abatacept has 123,363 submissions while golimumab has 69,835. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known moderate interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to both of these drugs weaken the immune system to treat inflammation. using them together makes it much harder for your body to fight off serious infections without providing extra help for your condition.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between abatacept and golimumab — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.