Abatacept
About Abatacept
Abatacept is an immunosuppressant medicine that helps reduce signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders. It is primarily used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis alone or in combination with methotrexate medicine in children above six years of age.
Abatacept consists of Abatacept, which belongs to the TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce inflammation and pain caused by various autoimmune diseases.
Abatacept may cause certain side effects such as headache, nausea, cough, fever, sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infections, tingling or numbness, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin, redness on the skin and arms, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention or resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist for longer, please consult your doctor. A trained healthcare doctor will administer it. Hence, do not self-administer. Your physician will decide the dose and duration of the medicine based on the type and severity of the condition.
Abatacept should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present. Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, optimistic infections, cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, Hepatitis B Virus infection, heart failure, liver, heart, or kidney diseases, or a weak immune system, as it can worsen your health condition. Abatacept may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Abatacept should not be given to children under six years of age as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Abatacept as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of liver damage. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking this injection.
Uses of Abatacept
Medicinal Benefits
Abatacept consists of Abatacept, which belongs to TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Abatacept
- Tingling or numbness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Cough
- Abdominal pain
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Pale skin
Drug Warnings
Abatacept should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present. Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, optimistic infections, cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, Hepatitis B Virus infection, heart failure, liver, heart or kidney diseases, weak immune system, multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), and diabetes as it can worsen your health condition. Do not take live vaccines while being treated with Abatacept to prevent any serious consequences. Abatacept may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Abatacept as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers. Abatacept is not recommended for use in children below two years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. This medicine is not recommended for patients suffering from sepsis as it can worsen the condition. Abatacept should not be taken along with other TNF antagonist drugs as it can lead to serious adverse effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Abatacept may interact with other immunosuppressants (certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, adalimumab, rituximab, blood thinners (warfarin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), acidity treating medicines (omeprazole), cough suppressants (Dextromethorphan), live vaccines, Alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide) and birth control pills.
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol consumption may cause dizziness and increase bleeding risk and liver injury.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Abatacept should be used with caution in liver or kidney disease cases, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and serious infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Abatacept as alcohol intake may cause increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Abatacept. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Abatacept. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
unsafeAbatacept may make you feel dizzy and sleepy. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.
Liver
cautionAbatacept should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. However, Abatacept is not recommended in patients with active liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionAbatacept should be used with caution if you have kidney impairment. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
unsafeAbatacept is not recommended in children below six years of age as safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching that is less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
- Massages can also be helpful.
- Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, wear loose garments.
- Rest well and get plenty of sleep.
- Change your position at least every two hours to avoid developing pressure sores.
- Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice pack or hot pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
- It is advised to closely monitor the patient for infections like active tuberculosis during and after the treatment though the patient gets a negative tuberculin test.
- It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any active viral, bacterial, and fungal infections before starting Abatacept.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease wherein the body's immune system attacks its tissue, which causes joint pain and damage. It occurs when the immune system does not work properly. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.
FAQs
Abatacept consists of Abatacept, which belongs to TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce inflammation and pain caused by various autoimmune diseases.
Abatacept affects your immune system and makes you more susceptible to infections. Hence, it is not recommended in people with active infections like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or abnormal liver enzymes. Abatacept can also increase the risk of developing cancers; hence, mentioning your doctor if you have a history of any cancer is essential.