Abatacept
Drug Name(s): Orencia
Class: Biologics
Type: Selective Co-Stimulation Modulator
Used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Dosage
Form(s): infusion, prefilled syringe
Injection: For RA, after a single IV infusion loading dose (optional) based on body weight, one 125 mg injection within a day, followed by 125 mg injection once a week. For PsA, one 125 mg injection once a week.
IV infusion: Dosage is based on body weight and ranges from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per treatment for adults with RA or PsA, or children with JIA. IV infusions are given at 0, 2 and 4 weeks, and then repeated every 4 weeks.
Special Instructions
For self-injection: Must be kept refrigerated. Do not freeze. Inject into thigh, abdomen or upper arm. Rotate injection sites. Do not inject where skin is tender, bruised, red or hard.
Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment.
Potential Side Effects
Cough; dizziness; headache; infusion reaction during or shortly after treatment (including blood pressure changes, chest pain, difficulty breathing and hives); itching, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site; sore throat
Be Aware
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who take abatacept should have their respiratory status monitored.
This and all biologics suppress the immune system and may increase your risk of infections. Tell your doctor if you have an active infection. Do not start treatment if you have a serious or recurrent infection (such as pneumonia). You should be tested for tuberculosis before starting this medication. Do not get a live vaccine when taking biologics
