MedlinePlus Drug Information: Abatacept Injection

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Abatacept Injection

(a ba ta' sept)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Abatacept is used alone or in combination with other medications to reduce the pain, swelling, difficulty with daily activities, and joint damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in patients who have not been helped by other medications. Abatacept is in a class of medications called selective costimulation modulators (immunomodulators). It works by blocking the activity of T-cells, a type of immune cell in the body that causes swelling and joint damage in people who have arthritis.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Abatacept comes as a powder to be mixed with sterile water and infused (injected slowly) intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given in a doctor's office every 2 weeks for the first three doses and then every 4 weeks. It will take about 30 minutes for you to receive your entire dose of abatacept.

Your doctor will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet to read before you receive each dose of abatacept. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor any questions you have.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before using abatacept,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to abatacept or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anakinra (Kineret), adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel),and infliximab (Remicade). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have an infection anywhere in the body, including infections that come and go, such as cold sores, and chronic infections that do not go away, or if you often get any type of infection such as bladder infections. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema); any disease that affects your nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis; any disease that affects your immune system, such as cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID). Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had tuberculosis (TB; a lung infection that may not cause symptoms for many years and that may spread to other parts of the body) or if you have been around someone who has or has had tuberculosis. Your doctor may give you a skin test to see whether you are infected with tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a positive skin test for tuberculosis in the past.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using abatacept, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using abatacept.
tell your doctor if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccines. You should not have any vaccinations while you are using abatacept or for 3 months after you stop using abatacept without talking to your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

If you miss an appointment to receive an abatacept infusion, call your doctor as soon as possible.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Abatacept may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
runny nose
sore throat
nausea
dizziness
heartburn
back pain
arm or leg pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

hives
skin rash
itching
swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
difficulty breathing or swallowing
shortness of breath
fever, chills, and other signs of infection
dry cough that doesn't go away
weight loss
night sweats
frequent urination or sudden need to urinate right away
burning during urination
cellulitis (red, hot, swollen area on the skin)

Abatacept may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer including lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells that fight infection). People who have had severe rheumatoid arthritis for a long time may have a greater than normal risk of developing these cancers even if they do not use abatacept. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication.

Abatacept may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Your doctor will store the medication in his or her office.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor well in advance so that you will be able to receive abatacept on schedule and at times that are convenient for you.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Orencia®

Last Revised - 10/01/2006

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2008. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.