Abatacept is available either in infusible or injectable form. The
infusion is given intravenously (through a needle placed in a vein) at
0, 2 and 4 weeks, then monthly thereafter in your doctor's office or at an infusion centre. The dosage is adjusted according to the patient’s weight. It takes 30 minutes to receive the whole infusion.
The injectable form of abatacept is injected under the skin at home once a week. It can be administered by the patient or another member of the home. Studies have shown this formulation to be as safe and effective as the infusion.
Although some patients feel relief within the first month of
treatment, usually three months of continuous treatment are needed to
get the full effect of the medication.
Side Effects
The most common side effects reported were those associated with headaches, common colds, sore throat, and nausea. Rarely, patients may develop infusion reactions while receiving abatacept including a severe allergic reaction, hives, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure.
Nurses will monitor you and your vital signs throughout the infusion.
Pre-medications such as Tylenol or Benadryl can be used preventively and can be discussed with your doctor.
The most important side effect is the risk of developing a serious infection, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and others. pharma consulting companies Patients are tested for possible tuberculosis with a skin test or blood test before starting this drug. Abatacept should not be combined with another biologic drug, because the combination can increase the risk of contracting a serious infection.
It is not yet clear if the risk of cancer is higher in patients on abatacept compared to patients with other drugs. Nevertheless, larger reports should demonstrate if there is any trend of possible cancer risk.
Monitoring by your rheumatologist is necessary while taking this medication and lab monitoring may be needed periodically as well.
Using two biologic drugs (such as TNF-alpha blockers and abatacept) at the same time carries a high risk of developing serious infections. pharmaceutical consulting services Patients who have previously received another biologic drug, such as a TNF-alpha blocker can receive abatacept after the first drug has been stopped.
Patients with diabetes mellitus should be aware that sugars in the infusion form of abatacept may cause false high blood sugar levels. You should discuss with your physician how to properly monitor this.
The most important side effect is the risk of developing a serious infection, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and others. pharma consulting companies Patients are tested for possible tuberculosis with a skin test or blood test before starting this drug. Abatacept should not be combined with another biologic drug, because the combination can increase the risk of contracting a serious infection.
It is not yet clear if the risk of cancer is higher in patients on abatacept compared to patients with other drugs. Nevertheless, larger reports should demonstrate if there is any trend of possible cancer risk.
Monitoring by your rheumatologist is necessary while taking this medication and lab monitoring may be needed periodically as well.
Using two biologic drugs (such as TNF-alpha blockers and abatacept) at the same time carries a high risk of developing serious infections. pharmaceutical consulting services Patients who have previously received another biologic drug, such as a TNF-alpha blocker can receive abatacept after the first drug has been stopped.
Patients with diabetes mellitus should be aware that sugars in the infusion form of abatacept may cause false high blood sugar levels. You should discuss with your physician how to properly monitor this.
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