1 Guidance
1.1 This recommendation has been replaced by the recommendations in the NICE technology appraisal guidance on adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, tocilizumab and abatacept for rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed.
1.2 Golimumab in combination with methotrexate is recommended as an option for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults whose rheumatoid arthritis has responded inadequately to other DMARDs, including a TNF inhibitor, if:
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it is used as described for other TNF inhibitor treatments in 'Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, rituximab and abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a TNF inhibitor' (NICE technology appraisal guidance 195), and
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the manufacturer provides the 100 mg dose of golimumab at the same cost as the 50 mg dose, agreed as part of the patient access scheme.
1.3 When using the disease activity score (DAS28), healthcare professionals should take into account any physical, sensory or learning disabilities, communication difficulties, or disease characteristics that could adversely affect patient assessment and make any adjustments they consider appropriate.