Abatacept is used alone or in combination with other medications to reduce the pain, swelling, difficulty with daily activities, and joint damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in patients who have not been helped by other medications. Abatacept is in a class of medications called selective costimulation modulators (immunomodulators). It works by blocking the activity of T-cells, a type of immune cell in the body that causes swelling and joint damage in people who have arthritis.
Abatacept comes as a powder to be mixed with sterile water and infused (injected slowly) intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given in a doctor's office every 2 weeks for the first three doses and then every 4 weeks. It will take about 30 minutes for you to receive your entire dose of abatacept.
Your doctor will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet to read before you receive each dose of abatacept. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor any questions you have.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
- Orencia®
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