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Drug

Abatacept

Common brand names:

Orencia

Pronounced

"a-BAT-a-sept"

Uses

This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's own defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissue. This leads to swelling in the joints, which causes pain and makes it harder to move. This medication is also used to treat other types of arthritis (such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis). Abatacept can also be used to prevent a certain problem that can occur after stem cell transplant (acute graft versus host disease).

Abatacept works by weakening your immune system. For patients with arthritis, this effect helps to slow down joint damage and reduce joint pain and swelling so that they can move better.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using abatacept and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

For the treatment of arthritis, this medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually over 30 minutes. It is usually given every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses, then every 4 weeks.

For the prevention of graft versus host disease, this medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually over 60 minutes. The first dose of the medication is usually given the day before transplantation and then the medication is given on days 5, 14, and 28 after transplantation. Take all other medications (such as medications to prevent infection) prescribed by your doctor exactly as directed.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and weight.

Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug and for a short time afterward. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or headache.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.