Welcome!
We get it: getting started on an infusion treatment may be a bit overwhelming. It's completely normal to feel a little uneasy! We're here to help by showing you the path to your first SIMPONI ARIA® infusion, step by step.
SIMPONI ARIA®, What you need to know to get started
About SIMPONI ARIA®
Your doctor probably told you SIMPONI ARIA® is a biologic treatment given by intravenous infusion, which is through a needle placed in a vein, usually in your arm. A short 30-minute infusion is given as 2 starter doses 4 weeks apart, then you will receive infusions every 8 weeks—that's as few as 6 times a year.
SIMPONI ARIA® targets, binds with, and blocks excess TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), an underlying cause of inflammation. SIMPONI ARIA® may help control the signs and symptoms of your condition. It's important to know that blocking too much TNF-alpha can lessen your body's ability to fight infections. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about SIMPONI ARIA®.
Get Support for Simponi Aria®
Once you and your doctor have decided SIMPONI ARIA® is right for you, J&J withMe will help you find the resources you may need to get started and stay on track.
Paying for SIMPONI ARIA®J&J withMe can identify cost support options that may help with managing your out-of-pocket costs—whether you have commercial or private health insurance, government coverage such as Medicare or Medicaid, or have no insurance coverage.
Learn MoreGetting Started
J&J withMe can review your health plan benefits and insurance coverage for SIMPONI ARIA® and offer treatment education resources.
Learn MoreStaying on Track
We understand how important it is for you to take your SIMPONI ARIA® as your doctor prescribed. J&J withMe provides ongoing support that may help you stay on track with your SIMPONI ARIA® treatment.
Learn MoreVisit JNJwithMe.com.
Create a J&J withMe Account at Account.JNJwithMe.com.
Need help? Call a Case Manager at 877-227-3728, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET.
Multilingual phone support is available.
Before Starting Treatment
SIMPONI ARIA® is a medicine that affects your immune system, and can lower your body's ability to fight infections. Some people have serious infections while receiving SIMPONI ARIA®, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that spread throughout their body. Some people have died from these serious infections.
- Your doctor should test you for TB and hepatitis B before starting SIMPONI ARIA®
- Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with SIMPONI ARIA®
- You should not start receiving SIMPONI ARIA® if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor tells you to
Always feel free to ask your doctor if you have any questions about preparing to take SIMPONI ARIA®.
& Patient Support
Insurance Ins & Outs
Your doctor's office will most likely do the legwork of confirming your insurance coverage. However, this process can take longer than you may think. Here's some information about what to expect and some things you can do to stay engaged and committed to getting started with your treatment.
Things to know about insurance approval and paying for SIMPONI ARIA®
How Long It Takes To Get
Insurance Approval
The process is different with different insurance providers and different doctor's offices, and, unfortunately, we can't guarantee a timeline. In some cases, it can take 2-6 weeks to verify coverage. If you haven't heard back from your doctor's office about the status of your coverage after 2-3 weeks, give them a call and ask for an update, or you can call J&J withMe at 877-227-3728 , Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-8:00 PM ET.
What To Do While Waiting For Approval
Here are some things you can do to stay proactive while you wait to start your treatment:
- Get the name and contact info of the person in your doctor's office who is in charge of confirming patients' benefits. Contact them whenever you have questions
- Work with your doctor to get any tests you may need done, so you're ready to start your SIMPONI ARIA® treatment as soon as your insurance coverage is verified
- Ask to take a look at your doctor's infusion facility, so you know what to expect when it's time to go for your infusion
- Get the name and contact info of the person in your doctor's office who is in charge of confirming patients' benefits. Contact them whenever you have questions
- Work with your doctor to get any tests you may need done, so you're ready to start your SIMPONI ARIA® treatment as soon as your insurance coverage is verified
- Ask to take a look at your doctor's infusion facility, so you know what to expect when it's time to go for your infusion
Support for Patients And Their Caregivers
Once you and your doctor have decided that SIMPONI ARIA® is right for you, J&J withMe will help you find the resources you may need to get started and stay on track. We will give you information on your insurance coverage, potential out-of-pocket costs, and treatment support, and identify options that may help make your treatment more affordable.
Visit JNJwithMe.com.
Create a J&J withMe Account at Account.JNJwithMe.com.
Need help? Call a Case Manager at 877-227-3728, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET.
Fees You May Need To Consider
Every insurance plan and doctor's office will do things a little differently. In addition to your out-of-pocket costs for the medication, you may be charged an administration fee and/or a facility fee, depending on your coverage and where you get your infusion. Your insurance plan may cover some or all of these costs. Ask your doctor's office about what fees to expect so you can plan for them.
Confusion About Getting An Infusion? We Hear You.
It's natural that you may be anxious about getting an infusion. But being able to understand the process may help. Use this guide to learn about infusions and plan for yours.
Things to know about infusions
Let's Talk About Infusions
Like some biologics, SIMPONI ARIA® is given as an infusion. That means it is prepared and given by a medical professional at an infusion center or at your doctor's office, so there's always someone there to answer any questions you have during your infusion or help if you have any problems or concerns. After 2 starter doses, 4 weeks apart, SIMPONI ARIA® is given once every 8 weeks—that's as few as 6 times a year.
Where To Go For Your Infusion
Many doctors' offices will offer infusion services, and if they don't, they may recommend an infusion center that you can go to. You can ask your doctor if you can see the infusion facility in advance to meet the staff and ask questions, so you'll know what to expect on the day of your first infusion. And if you ever move, your doctor can help you find a new infusion center.
Tips For The Day Before Your Infusion
Taking some steps to prepare yourself may make your first infusion seem less daunting. Here's a list of tips you can check prior to your infusions:
- Drink a lot of water; being well-hydrated makes it easier for the nurse at the infusion center to place the infusion needle in your vein
- Get a good night's sleep, so you can awake refreshed
- Confirm your appointment time so you can arrive on time
- If you drive yourself to your infusion appointment, you should be able to drive afterwards, as advised by your doctor
- Write down any questions you have so that you can discuss them with a healthcare professional during your infusion (remember: there are no bad questions!)
Tips For Your Infusion Day
Way to go! You've gotten to this important step in managing your condition. Here are a few things to do on the day of your infusion appointment:
- Eat a healthy breakfast or lunch before your treatment
- Gather your medical history and a list of your current medications to bring with you
- Bring a book, a puzzle, a podcast, or download a show—you'll want something to help you pass the time during your 30-minute infusion
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket if you'd like; it's important to be comfortable
- When you arrive, let the medical staff know if you've had any changes in your health or if you're taking any new medications
At Your Infusion
Once you're at your infusion, the following may occur:
- A medical professional will do an assessment of your health and check your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and weight
- Before each infusion, your doctor will calculate just the right amount of SIMPONI ARIA® medication for you, based on your weight
- A healthcare professional will give you the SIMPONI ARIA® Medication Guide to read through completely before each infusion. Talk to your healthcare professional about any questions you may have
- A healthcare professional will monitor you during your infusion and for a period of time afterwards; if you have questions or experience side effects during or after your infusion, you can discuss them with him or her
- Your IV infusion stand has wheels, so you'll be free to move around or go to the bathroom if you need to
- A medical professional will do an assessment of your health and check your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and weight
- Before each infusion, your doctor will calculate just the right amount of SIMPONI ARIA® medication for you, based on your weight
- A healthcare professional will give you the SIMPONI ARIA® Medication Guide to read through completely before each infusion. Talk to your healthcare professional about any questions you may have
- A healthcare professional will monitor you during your infusion and for a period of time afterwards; if you have questions or experience side effects during or after your infusion, you can discuss them with him or her
- Your IV infusion stand has wheels, so you'll be free to move around or go to the bathroom if you need to
After Your Infusion
Once your infusion is done, you'll be free to go about your day, as advised by your doctor. If you experience any side effects, call your doctor right away. Also, don't forget to make your appointment for your next infusion. Now that you've had your first infusion, you'll have an idea about what to expect for the next one.
If you forget or miss an infusion appointment, make another appointment as soon as possible.
Still have questions? Call a Case Manager today at 877-227-3728, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM ET.