Antirheumatic, Disease Modifying; Selective T-Cell Costimulation Blocker
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Abatacept, Orencia is a selective costimulation modulator, inhibits T cell (T lymphocyte) activation by binding to CD80 and CD86, thereby blocking interaction with CD28. This interaction provides a costimulatory signal necessary for the full activation of T lymphocytes.
Indications For Use
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis
Precautions
Before starting Abatacept, Orencia makes sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, you may be at an increased risk of infection and malignancy and should be used in patients who are immunocompromised (i.e. COPD).
Usual Dosing
Initial Dosing: Intravenous
Dosing is according to body weight. Following the initial IV infusion (using the weight-based dosing), repeat IV infusion (using the same weight-based dosing) at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the initial infusion, and every 4 weeks thereafter.
Maintenance Dosing: Subcutaneous
Inject 125mg subcutaneously once weekly.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, allow prefilled syringe and autoinjector to warm to room temperature (for 30 to 60 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively) prior to administration. Inject full amount into the front of the thigh (preferred), abdomen (except for 2-inch area around the navel), or the outer area of the upper arms (if administered by a caregiver). Rotate injection sites (≥1 inch apart); do not administer into tender, bruised, red, or hard skin.
Side Effects
Headache, nausea, antibody development, infection, influenza, bronchitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis.
Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Abatacept, Orencia only common ones
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.
Why would I be given a medication that increases my risk of infections?
This medication is used for autoimmune conditions which are essential when your immune system attacks your body inappropriately as if it were a foreign body like bacteria or viruses. In order to treat this, the immune function that is damaging your body must be subdued, however, this increases the risk of other infections occurring. While on immunosuppressant medications it is important to take all infections more seriously and get them checked out by your physician to ensure that your body is fighting it effectively.