Abatacept Solution for injection Health Article

Generic name(s):

Abatacept Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Orencia

What is this medicine?

ABATACEPT (a ba TA sept) is used to treat moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults. This medicine is also used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• are taking other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis
• COPD
• diabetes
• infection or history of infections
• recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine
• scheduled to have surgery
• tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis
• viral hepatitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to abatacept, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• adalimumab
• anakinra
• certolizumab
• etanercept
• infliximab
• live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Call your doctor or health care professional if you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine. Do not treat yourself. This medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infection.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• fever, chills, or any other sign of infection

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• sore throat
• stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.