Things to know before you start abatacept

Abatacept is a very effective therapy for many patients with arthritis. However, there are certain people who may not be able to take it.

Before you’re prescribed abatacept, doctors sometimes use a scoring system to work out how active your arthritis is. The system can be different depending on what condition you have, but most often you’ll be asked how well you feel on a scale of 1 to 10 and your doctor will make a note of how many of your joints are tender and swollen.

You’ll also need blood tests before treatment starts to assess your condition and whether the drug is suitable for you.

ABATACEPT TABLET

Your doctor might not prescribe abatacept if:

• you’re pregnant
• you’re currently taking another biologic drug
• you have HIV
• you have a severe heart condition
• you’ve had cancer.

ORENCIA Tablets should be used with caution if you have infections that repeatedly come and go.

Your doctor will need to check if you’ve previously been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). If the tests are positive you may need to start a course of treatment for TB before starting abatacept.

If you’ve had hepatitis B or C, you may need regular checks for this, as abatacept may increase the risk of the hepatitis starting up again.

What Are Side Effect And Risk Of ORENCIA (ABATACEPT) Tablets

 Side-effects and risks

Most people do not experience side effects. Some side effects can happen around the time of the infusion or injection. They aren’t usually serious, but if you have severe side effects or are concerned about your symptoms contact one of the healthcare professionals in charge of your care.

ABATACEPT) Tablets

Some of the side effects of orencia

• dizziness
• tiredness
• headaches
• feeling sick or vomiting
• diarrhoea.

In very rare cases people can be allergic to abatacept. This could be in the form of swelling or a rash, or you may feel short of breath. This is very rare, but if you do develop these symptoms, or any other severe symptoms, during or soon after a dose of abatacept you should seek medical advice immediately.

Because abatacept affects your immune system, you may be more likely to pick up infections. The most common are mild chest and urinary infections.

Tell your doctor or rheumatology nurse straight away if you develop any symptoms such as a cough that won’t go away, unexplained weight loss or a fever. You should also tell your rheumatology team before having an infusion or injection if you have any of these symptoms. They may advise you to pause the treatment.

You should contact your doctor if you get chickenpox or shingles, or if you come into contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles and you have never had chickenpox before. These illnesses can be worse than usual if you’re taking abatacept. You may need antiviral treatment, and your abatacept may be stopped until you’re better.

Tips to reduce your risk of infection

• Try to avoid close contact with people you know have an infection.
• Wash your hands regularly and carry around a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel.
• Keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth regularly.
• Stop smoking if you’re a smoker.
• Make sure your food is stored and prepared properly.
• Try to keep your house clean and hygienic, especially the kitchen, bathrooms and toilets.

How is it taken ORENCIA (ABATACEPT) TABLETS?

 Orencia may be given:

• through a drip into a vein, which takes 1–2 hours once a month, in hospital or at a special clinic. This is known as an intravenous infusion
• as an injection under the skin once a week using a pre-filled syringe or pen. This is known as a subcutaneous injection. You, your partner, or another family member can learn to give these injections at home.

ORENCIA TABLETS

Speak to your rheumatology team if you’re already having abatacept by infusion and wish to switch to injections – you’ll probably start your injections when your next infusion is due.

If you forget to take your dose within three days, just take it when you remember to and then continue taking your doses according to your usual schedule. If you’re more than three days late taking a dose, ask your rheumatology team for advice on when to take your next one.

It’s a long-term treatment and may not work right away. Some patients report it took between 6–12 weeks before they started to feel better. So, it’s important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don’t feel better right away. You should also continue taking it when your symptoms improve, and you start to feel better, to help keep your condition under control.

Most patients will have regular blood tests while taking  ORENCIA (ABATACEPT) TABLETS. If you’re taking other drugs, such as methotrexate, you’ll also need to continue your blood tests for these.