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ABATACEPT (a ba TA sept) treats autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis. It may also be used to treat a condition that can occur after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant (chronic graft versus host disease). It works by slowing down an overactive immune system.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medication is infused into a vein or injected under the skin. Infusions are given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may be injected under the skin at home.
If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Live virus vaccines
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Anakinra
-Baricitinib
-Canakinumab
-Medications that lower your chance of fighting an infection
-Rituximab
-TNF blockers, such as adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab
-Tocilizumab
-Tofacitinib
-Upadacitinib
-Ustekinumab
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your care team prescribed any medication for TB, you should start taking the TB medication before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team if you get fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
If you have diabetes and are getting this medication as an infusion, it may give false high blood sugar readings on the day of your dose. This may happen if you use certain types of blood glucose tests. Your care team may tell you to use a different way to monitor your blood sugar levels.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Back pain
-Cough
-Dizziness
-Headache
-Runny or stuffy nose
-Sore throat
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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If you take this medication at home, keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store in the refrigerator. Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of the medication safely.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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