What is Abatacept?
Abatacept is a synthetic protein that works by preventing the body’s immune system from attacking healthy tissues such as joints. Abatacept is used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and to reduce joint damage caused by these conditions. It is also used to treat arthritis in children who are at least 6 years old.
What is the proper way to take Abatacept?
Before starting treatment with Abatacept, your doctor may perform tests to ensure you do not have tuberculosis. If you need to undergo any type of surgery, you should inform the surgeon before the scheduled procedure that you are taking Abatacept. If you have chronic hepatitis B, you may develop liver symptoms while using Abatacept and even months after stopping it. Your doctor may want to check your liver function regularly for up to several months after discontinuing Abatacept.
What are the possible side effects of this medication?
The most common side effects are headache, cold, sore throat, and nausea. Children may experience diarrhea, cough, fever, and abdominal pain. Allergic reactions during infusion have occurred in a very small number of patients, but most are given medications to prevent reaction. The most important side effect is the risk of serious infection, such as pneumonia requiring hospitalization, tuberculosis, and others. Taking Abatacept may be associated with a small increased risk of certain types of cancer. You should discuss this with your rheumatologist.
What should be avoided while taking this medication?
Patients should not receive live vaccines while taking Abatacept or within 3 months of discontinuing it.
What is the usual dose of Abatacept?
Abatacept is given by intravenous infusion. The usual dose typically ranges from 500 to 1000 mg and depends on body weight. Methotrexate is commonly used together with Abatacept, which may improve the response to the medication.
How often can I take Abatacept?
You can receive the medication according to the following schedule: If you receive the first dose of Abatacept in week one, you will receive the second dose in week 2 and the third dose in week 4. The maintenance dose begins 4 weeks after the third dose, then infusions are given every 4 weeks thereafter. The infusion usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Abatacept?
If you miss a dose of Abatacept, please contact your doctor to reschedule the doses and find out when your next dose should be.
Is Abatacept safe during pregnancy?
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Abatacept is a new medication, and it is unknown whether it is safe to use during pregnancy.
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Therefore, women should avoid becoming pregnant while taking Abatacept.
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There is no known safety information regarding breastfeeding while taking Abatacept, so breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with this medication.
