Type of medicine: T-cell inhibitor
Generic and brand names: abatacept, injection; Orencia
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) or by subcutaneous injection (just under the skin) to treat:
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
This medicine may be used alone or along with another medicine.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you currently have an infection such as the flu or an open cut or sore, or if you often have infections that come back. Also tell your healthcare provider if you:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
You may be given IV infusions (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) by your healthcare provider. You will then receive the infusion doses 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the first dose, and then every 4 weeks. Keep all appointments for infusions.
You may also receive this medicine as an injection under your skin. It comes in a single-use disposable prefilled syringe and is usually given weekly. Your healthcare provider will determine the exact dosage. If your healthcare provider is giving you the shots, keep all your appointments.
Sometimes you can give yourself these shots or have someone at home give them to you. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Be sure you know how and when to have shots and how much medicine to use. The shots should not be given into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, or red, or where you have scars or stretch marks. Allow the medicine to sit at room temperature outside the carton for 30 to 60 minutes before injecting it.
Use each prefilled syringe and needle only once and dispose of it safely, following your healthcare provider's instructions. Do not use the medicine if it becomes cloudy or contains particles.
Carefully read and follow the directions that come in the package of medicine for preparing the shots. Wash your hands before using this medicine.
If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You should not have live vaccines while you are receiving this medicine and for 3 months after you stop treatment with this medicine.
This medicine increases your risk for serious or life-threatening infections. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever or ANY other symptoms of infection. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
Your healthcare provider will check you regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine may increase your risk for lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may also increase the risk of developing psoriasis or worsen psoriasis. Contact your provider if you notice red scaly patches or raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect blood sugar test results on the day you receive the infusion. Talk to your healthcare provider before you change your diet or dosage of diabetes medicine. Your healthcare provider may recommend a different blood sugar monitor.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Cough, fever, unexplained sore throat, pain while urinating, painful rash, severe headache, stiff neck, unexplained tiredness or weight loss.
Other: Redness, swelling, or bruising around the injection site; headache; nausea; dizziness; runny nose; heartburn; back pain; diarrheal stomach pain
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
