Examples
One form of abatacept is given by injection (infusion) into a vein
(intravenously, or IV) every 4 weeks.
Another form of abatacept is injected under the skin every week.
How It Works
Abatacept is a man-made protein that
interferes with T-cells. T-cells are part of your immune system and help cause
inflammation and joint damage in
. Abatacept affects rheumatoid
arthritis by:
- Reducing symptoms.
- Slowing progression of joint
damage.
- Reducing activity in the body's
.
Abatacept is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
(DMARD), which means it slows the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. DMARDs
are also called immunosuppressive drugs or slow-acting antirheumatic drugs
(SAARDs).
Abatacept may be used alone or in combination with
other DMARDs such as methotrexate. But abatacept is not used in combination
with the other biologic DMARDs adalimumab (Humira), anakinra (Kineret),
etanercept (Enbrel), and infliximab (Remicade).
Why It Is Used
Abatacept has been approved for use in
adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not been helped by
one or more other medicines.
How Well It Works
Abatacept improves symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis in people who have not been helped by other medicines.
Abatacept slows the progression of joint damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Studies also showed that after abatacept treatment, people had better physical
function.
Side Effects
Because abatacept is a protein that is
injected (infused) into the vein, your body may have a reaction to the
infusion. You will be given acetaminophen and diphenhydramine before infusions
to prevent chills and lightheadedness. But some people cannot adjust to the
infusion and cannot tolerate the treatment. Although an infusion can be
uncomfortable, frightening, and potentially serious, the effects can be treated
and reversed rapidly.
During the infusion, you may have an
infusion reaction, including:
- Body
aches.
- Chills.
- Lightheadedness.
- Nausea.
- Shortness
of breath.
After the infusion, common side effects with abatacept
include:
- Headache.
- Upper respiratory
infection.
- Sore throat.
- Nausea.
Risk of infection
Abatacept decreases the activity
of your body's immune system, which increases the risk of a serious bacterial
infection. Some people who take abatacept will develop an infection that
requires oral antibiotics; a smaller number of people will develop an infection
that requires intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization. Contact your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Increased
frequency of or burning during urination
- A cough with yellow
or shortness of breath
- A skin
infection
- Severe abdominal pain or diarrhea
- A severe
sore throat
- Sinus pain with yellow
- A painful, burning rash in a band
across one side of your body ()
- Painful,
widespread mouth sores