What is abatacept? What is abatacept used for?
Abatacept is an injectable, synthetic (man-made) protein produced by recombinant DNA technology that is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
It is an immunesuppressant, a drug that suppresses the immune system that is similar to alefacept (Amevive) and belatacept (Nulojix). The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against foreign invaders, for example, infectious agents such as bacteria. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, however, the immune system attacks and destroys normal tissue in and around the joints, causing pain, inflammation and damage to bone and cartilage. T-lymphocytes are important cells of the immune system.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have increased numbers of T-lymphocytes within the joints that are inflamed. The T-lymphocytes are "activated," that is, they multiply and release chemicals that promote the destruction of tissues surrounding the joints and cause the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Abatacept acts like an antibody and attaches to a protein on the surface of T-lymphocytes. By attaching to the protein, abatacept prevents the activation of the T-lymphocytes and blocks both the production of new T-lymphocytes and the production of the chemicals that destroy tissue and cause the symptoms and signs of arthritis. Abatacept relieves the symptoms and signs of arthritis and is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) because it slows the damage to bones and cartilage and improves physical function.
Abatacept was approved by the FDA in December 2005.
What brand names are available for abatacept?
Orencia
Is abatacept available as a generic drug?
No
Do I need a prescription for abatacept?
Yes
What are the side effects of abatacept?
The most common side effects of abatacept are:
Because abatacept depresses the immune system it reduces the body's ability to fight infection. Therefore, existing infections may worsen or new ones may develop.
Other important side effects include infusion-related reactions such as:
The most serious side effects are infections and cancer.
What is the dosage for abatacept?
For adult patients, abatacept is infused over 30 minutes or
injected under the skin. Patients weighing < 60 kg should receive a 500 mg dose,
weighing 60-100 kg a 750 mg dose and weighing >100 kg a 1000 mg dose. The
initial dose of abatacept is followed by additional doses two and four weeks
after the first infusion with further doses every four weeks thereafter.
Alternatively, adults may receive 125 mg by subcutaneous injection one day after
the initial weight-based dose and then 125 mg by subcutaneous injection once
weekly.
Patients 6 to 17 years old weighing less than 75 kg should receive a 10
mg/kg infusion initially. Pediatric patients weighing more than 75 kg should
receive the adult infusion doses. The initial dose of abatacept is followed by
additional doses two and four weeks after the first infusion with further doses every
four weeks thereafter.
Which drugs or supplements interact with abatacept?
Combining abatacept with TNF antagonists (for
example, Enbrel, Humira and Remicade) increases the occurrence of infections and
provides no additional relief of symptoms. Abatacept may reduce the effect of
live vaccines. Live vaccines should not be given at the same time as abatacept
or within three months of discontinuation of abatacept. Pediatric patients should
receive all recommended immunizations prior to starting abatacept.
Latest Arthritis News
- COVID Antiviral Pill Approval
- Are Diet Drinks Any Better?
- Diabetes Ups Alzheimer’s Risk
- Key Protein in TBI Patients
- Breastfeeding Helps Postpartum Depression
More Health News »
Trending on MedicineNet
- Breast Cancer Warning Signs
- CMT Disease
- Main Cause of Graves’ Disease
- RSV in Adults
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Drugs That Slow
RA’s Progress
Learn More on 
Is abatacept safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Abatacept has not been adequately evaluated in
pregnant
women.
Abatacept has not been adequately evaluated in women
who are breastfeeding.
What else should I know about abatacept?
What preparations of abatacept are available?
Powder for Injection: 250 mg. Prefilled Syringe: 125 mg/ml.
How should I keep abatacept stored?
Abatacept should be refrigerated between 2 C – 8 C (36 F – 46 F).