Abatacept

Treats moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have taken other medicines for RA.

Brand Name(s):

Orencia

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with abatacept. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. Some of the medicines you need to avoid are anakinra (Kineret®) and TNF blocker medications (such as Enbrel®, Humira®, or Remicade®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have lung disease, any kind of infection, or if you are scheduled to have surgery. Tell your doctor if you also have tuberculosis (TB), or have had a positive skin test for TB, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has TB.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using anakinra (Kineret®) or a TNF blocker medication (such as Enbrel®, Humira®, or Remicade®) to treat your RA, or if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.
• Fever or chills.
• Muscle pain and stiffness, weakness, or sweating.
• Painful urination.
• Weight loss.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or stomach pain.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.
• Rash or blisters.