Golimumab and Tuberculosis

Cases of reactivation of tuberculosis or new tuberculosis infections have been observed in patients receiving TNF blocking agents, including patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis. Cases of active tuberculosis have also occurred in patients being treated with these agents during treatment for latent tuberculosis. Prior to initiating TNF blocking agents, patients should be screened for latent tuberculosis infection with a tuberculin skin test and periodically during therapy. Patients testing positive in tuberculosis screening should be treated by standard medical practice prior to therapy with TNF blocking agents. Anti-tuberculosis therapy should also be considered prior to initiation of therapy in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Tuberculosis should be strongly considered in patients who develop a new infection during treatment, especially in patients who have previously or recently traveled to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, or who have had close contact with a person with active tuberculosis.