{"id":3610,"date":"2025-08-29T07:51:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T07:51:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/?p=3610"},"modified":"2025-08-29T17:13:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T17:13:57","slug":"drugs-abatacept-orencia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/drugs-abatacept-orencia\/","title":{"rendered":"Abatacept"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3610\" class=\"elementor elementor-3610\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a66c6af e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a66c6af\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3ca8a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c3ca8a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Abatacept (Orencia): Uses, How It Works, Dosage &amp; Precautions \u2014 A Simple, Complete Guid<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d6e3f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"0d6e3f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c23c62 pta-img-wrapper elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2c23c62\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pataful.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/elementor\/assets\/images\/placeholder.png\" title=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Illustrative AI-generated image of Abacavir 300 mg tablets \u2014 for educational use only, not an actual product photo.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39b3847 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"39b3847\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"intro\">Quick Intro\n<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9b3105 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f9b3105\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Abatacept<strong> (brand name: Orencia)<\/strong> is a biologic DMARD used to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It works by calming down overactive T-cells (a type of immune cell), slowing disease activity, easing pain and swelling, and helping protect joints from damage.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d94f08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d94f08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"397\" data-end=\"466\"><strong>What do \u201cDMARD\u201d, \u201cBiologic\u201d, and \u201cFirst-line\/Second-line\u201d mean?<\/strong><\/p><ul><li data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"646\"><p data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"646\"><strong data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"518\">DMARD = Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug<\/strong> \u2192 think of it as \u201carthritis medicine that changes the course of the disease,\u201d e.g., methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"647\" data-end=\"746\"><p data-start=\"649\" data-end=\"746\"><strong data-start=\"649\" data-end=\"667\">Biologic DMARD<\/strong> = a protein-based DMARD made using living cells. Abatacept is in this group.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"747\" data-end=\"858\"><p data-start=\"749\" data-end=\"858\"><strong data-start=\"749\" data-end=\"763\">First-line<\/strong> = medicines usually tried first (for many people: methotrexate \u00b1 other non-biologic DMARDs).<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"859\" data-end=\"1007\"><p data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"1007\"><strong data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"886\">Second-line\/Next-line<\/strong> = if the first medicines don\u2019t work well (or disease is severe\/rapidly worsening), a biologic like abatacept is started.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be8598d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"be8598d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"How does it work\">How does it work?\n<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-050bc9b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"050bc9b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"1138\" data-end=\"1253\">Abatacept is a fusion protein called <strong data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1188\">CTLA-4\u2013Ig<\/strong>. For a <strong data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1206\">T cell<\/strong> to become fully active it needs two signals\u2014<\/p><ol data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1573\"><li data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1317\"><p data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1317\">Stimulation of the <strong data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1295\">T-cell receptor<\/strong> by <strong data-start=\"1299\" data-end=\"1314\">antigen\u2013MHC<\/strong>,<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1573\"><p data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1573\"><strong data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1339\">Co-stimulation<\/strong> between <strong data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1366\">B7 (CD80\/CD86)<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1379\">CD28<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1383\" \/>Abatacept binds to <strong data-start=\"1402\" data-end=\"1415\">CD80\/CD86<\/strong> and blocks this <strong data-start=\"1432\" data-end=\"1449\">second signal<\/strong>. As a result, the T cell cannot become sufficiently active\u2014so <strong data-start=\"1512\" data-end=\"1538\">inflammation decreases<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1543\" data-end=\"1572\">disease progression slows<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><\/ol><p>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b73d8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5b73d8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"Uses\">Which diseases is it used for?<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b21a7c3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b21a7c3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1891\"><p data-start=\"1616\" data-end=\"1891\"><strong data-start=\"1616\" data-end=\"1646\">Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):<\/strong> When an adult has moderate to severe arthritis, usually some other types of medicines are used first, called <strong data-start=\"1756\" data-end=\"1766\">DMARDs<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"1770\" data-end=\"1812\">disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs<\/strong>. But if those medicines don\u2019t work, then this <strong data-start=\"1859\" data-end=\"1871\">biologic<\/strong> medicine is used.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"1892\" data-end=\"1971\"><p data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"1971\"><strong data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"1924\">Psoriatic arthritis (PsA):<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"1925\" data-end=\"1935\">Adults<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1940\" data-end=\"1961\">children \u22652 years<\/strong> of age.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"2061\"><p data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"2061\"><strong data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"2028\">Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA):<\/strong> For those <strong data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2051\">\u22652 years<\/strong> of age.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"2062\" data-end=\"2423\"><p data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2423\"><strong data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2112\">To prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD):<\/strong> In the treatment method used especially in <strong data-start=\"2156\" data-end=\"2201\">hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)<\/strong>, generally a specific drug combination is used. This combination includes a <strong data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2303\">calcineurin inhibitor<\/strong> along with <strong data-start=\"2315\" data-end=\"2331\">methotrexate<\/strong>. To explain it simply, these are given together to keep the <strong data-start=\"2392\" data-end=\"2409\">immune system<\/strong> in balance.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2434\">Note:<\/strong> <em>In <strong data-start=\"2438\" data-end=\"2465\">multiple sclerosis (MS)<\/strong>, Phase-2 trials did not show efficacy\u2014so it is <strong data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2532\">not recommended<\/strong> as routine treatment for MS.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b4e33a4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b4e33a4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"Dose\">How is it taken? (Dose and forms)<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a54ad9e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a54ad9e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"2707\">Abatacept can be given in two ways\u2014into a vein (<strong data-start=\"2653\" data-end=\"2668\">IV infusion<\/strong>) or under the skin (<strong data-start=\"2689\" data-end=\"2705\">SC injection<\/strong>).<\/p><ul data-start=\"2709\" data-end=\"3497\"><li data-start=\"2709\" data-end=\"2993\"><p data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2993\"><strong data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2731\">IV (RA\/PsA\/JIA):<\/strong> After the <strong data-start=\"2742\" data-end=\"2756\">first dose<\/strong>, the next dose is given <strong data-start=\"2781\" data-end=\"2800\">two weeks later<\/strong>, then <strong data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2827\">four weeks later<\/strong>, and thereafter <strong data-start=\"2844\" data-end=\"2864\">every four weeks<\/strong>. And <strong data-start=\"2870\" data-end=\"2893\">weight-based dosing<\/strong> means, based on the patient\u2019s weight, the usual doses are <strong data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"2962\">500 mg<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"2964\" data-end=\"2974\">750 mg<\/strong>, or <strong data-start=\"2979\" data-end=\"2990\">1000 mg<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"2994\" data-end=\"3242\"><p data-start=\"2996\" data-end=\"3242\"><strong data-start=\"2996\" data-end=\"3016\">SC (RA\/PsA\/JIA):<\/strong> \u09b8\u09be\u09a7\u09be\u09b0\u09a3\u09a4 <strong data-start=\"3025\" data-end=\"3042\">125 mg weekly<\/strong> using a <strong data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3086\">pre-filled syringe\/autoinjector<\/strong>. If desired, you can give a single <strong data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3143\">IV \u201cloading\u201d dose<\/strong> on day one and start weekly SC the next day; you can also <strong data-start=\"3202\" data-end=\"3223\">start SC directly<\/strong> without loading.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3365\"><p data-start=\"3245\" data-end=\"3365\"><strong data-start=\"3245\" data-end=\"3258\">JIA (IV):<\/strong> If <strong data-start=\"3262\" data-end=\"3272\">&lt;75 kg<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"3274\" data-end=\"3286\">10 mg\/kg<\/strong>; if <strong data-start=\"3291\" data-end=\"3301\">\u226575 kg<\/strong>, same as adults, <strong data-start=\"3319\" data-end=\"3338\">maximum 1000 mg<\/strong>; schedule similar to RA.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"3366\" data-end=\"3497\"><p data-start=\"3368\" data-end=\"3497\"><strong data-start=\"3368\" data-end=\"3394\">GVHD prophylaxis (IV):<\/strong> On the day before <strong data-start=\"3413\" data-end=\"3430\">HSCT (Day \u20131)<\/strong> and on <strong data-start=\"3438\" data-end=\"3458\">Day +5, +14, +28<\/strong>\u2014each infusion usually <strong data-start=\"3481\" data-end=\"3496\">~60 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"3499\" data-end=\"3740\">Let the injection sit at <strong data-start=\"3524\" data-end=\"3559\">room temperature for 30 minutes<\/strong>; inject into the <strong data-start=\"3577\" data-end=\"3594\">abdomen\/thigh<\/strong> (or <strong data-start=\"3599\" data-end=\"3612\">upper arm<\/strong> if given by someone else), <strong data-start=\"3640\" data-end=\"3656\">rotate sites<\/strong>. Do <strong data-start=\"3661\" data-end=\"3668\">not<\/strong> inject into areas that are <strong data-start=\"3696\" data-end=\"3715\">tender\/red\/hard<\/strong> or have <strong data-start=\"3724\" data-end=\"3739\">marks\/scars<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d279c30 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d279c30\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"Safety\">Who should take it, who should not?<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ee51724 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ee51724\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul data-start=\"3786\" data-end=\"4881\"><li data-start=\"3786\" data-end=\"3932\"><p data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3932\"><strong data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3804\">Helpful for:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"3805\" data-end=\"3835\">Moderate\u2013severe RA\/PsA\/JIA<\/strong>; <strong data-start=\"3837\" data-end=\"3863\">rapidly progressive RA<\/strong>; those in whom <strong data-start=\"3879\" data-end=\"3908\">TNF-blockers\/other DMARDs<\/strong> are not working well.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"3933\" data-end=\"4156\"><p data-start=\"3935\" data-end=\"4156\"><strong data-start=\"3935\" data-end=\"3967\">Should not be combined with:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"3968\" data-end=\"3984\">TNF-blockers<\/strong> (such as <strong data-start=\"3994\" data-end=\"4008\">adalimumab<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4024\">etanercept<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4026\" data-end=\"4040\">infliximab<\/strong>) or <strong data-start=\"4045\" data-end=\"4057\">anakinra<\/strong>\u2014taking them together <strong data-start=\"4079\" data-end=\"4123\">increases the risk of serious infections<\/strong> and adds <strong data-start=\"4133\" data-end=\"4153\">no extra benefit<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4157\" data-end=\"4881\"><p data-start=\"4159\" data-end=\"4177\"><strong data-start=\"4159\" data-end=\"4175\">Precautions:<\/strong><\/p><ul data-start=\"4180\" data-end=\"4881\"><li data-start=\"4180\" data-end=\"4395\"><p data-start=\"4182\" data-end=\"4395\">People with <strong data-start=\"4194\" data-end=\"4217\">frequent infections<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4219\" data-end=\"4227\">COPD<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4229\" data-end=\"4241\">diabetes<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4243\" data-end=\"4254\">HBV\/HCV<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4256\" data-end=\"4270\">TB history<\/strong>\u2014<strong data-start=\"4271\" data-end=\"4284\">screening<\/strong> by a doctor is essential before starting. If <strong data-start=\"4330\" data-end=\"4340\">TB\/HBV<\/strong> is positive, treatment may need to start beforehand.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4398\" data-end=\"4515\"><p data-start=\"4400\" data-end=\"4515\"><strong data-start=\"4400\" data-end=\"4414\">Pregnancy:<\/strong> Better to <strong data-start=\"4425\" data-end=\"4451\">avoid unless necessary<\/strong>; if planning\/becomes pregnant, inform the <strong data-start=\"4494\" data-end=\"4512\">rheumatologist<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4518\" data-end=\"4629\"><p data-start=\"4520\" data-end=\"4629\"><strong data-start=\"4520\" data-end=\"4538\">Breastfeeding:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"4539\" data-end=\"4551\">Possible<\/strong> according to recent guidelines\u2014decide based on individual <strong data-start=\"4610\" data-end=\"4626\">risk\u2013benefit<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4632\" data-end=\"4761\"><p data-start=\"4634\" data-end=\"4761\"><strong data-start=\"4634\" data-end=\"4646\">Surgery:<\/strong> Usually advised to <strong data-start=\"4666\" data-end=\"4690\">stop for a few weeks<\/strong> before and after\u2014follow the plan of your <strong data-start=\"4732\" data-end=\"4758\">surgeon\/rheumatologist<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"4764\" data-end=\"4881\"><p data-start=\"4766\" data-end=\"4881\"><strong data-start=\"4766\" data-end=\"4789\">Allergy\/anaphylaxis<\/strong> is very <strong data-start=\"4798\" data-end=\"4806\">rare<\/strong> but possible\u2014be alert during the infusion and for the <strong data-start=\"4861\" data-end=\"4878\">next 24 hours<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"4883\" data-end=\"5006\">The <strong data-start=\"4887\" data-end=\"4900\">FDA label<\/strong> does not list an <strong data-start=\"4918\" data-end=\"4947\">absolute contraindication<\/strong>, but the precautions above are very important in practice.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd125fc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cd125fc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"Side Effects\">Common side effects<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4430cc7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4430cc7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul data-start=\"5036\" data-end=\"5715\"><li data-start=\"5036\" data-end=\"5105\"><p data-start=\"5038\" data-end=\"5105\"><strong data-start=\"5038\" data-end=\"5054\">Very common:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"5055\" data-end=\"5087\">Upper respiratory infections<\/strong>\/<strong data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5102\">cold-cough<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"5106\" data-end=\"5342\"><p data-start=\"5108\" data-end=\"5342\"><strong data-start=\"5108\" data-end=\"5119\">Common:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"5120\" data-end=\"5132\">Headache<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5134\" data-end=\"5167\">nausea\/stomach upset\/diarrhea<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5169\" data-end=\"5178\">cough<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5180\" data-end=\"5214\">pain\/redness at injection site<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5216\" data-end=\"5227\">fatigue<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5229\" data-end=\"5237\">rash<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5239\" data-end=\"5266\">elevated blood pressure<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5268\" data-end=\"5301\">mildly elevated liver enzymes<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5303\" data-end=\"5330\">urinary tract infection<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5332\" data-end=\"5339\">flu<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"5343\" data-end=\"5536\"><p data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5536\"><strong data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5373\">Serious but less common:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"5374\" data-end=\"5396\">Serious infections<\/strong> including <strong data-start=\"5407\" data-end=\"5427\">pneumonia\/sepsis<\/strong> (sometimes life-threatening), <strong data-start=\"5458\" data-end=\"5473\">anaphylaxis<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5475\" data-end=\"5512\">shortness of breath\/exacerbations<\/strong> in <strong data-start=\"5516\" data-end=\"5524\">COPD<\/strong> patients.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"5537\" data-end=\"5715\"><p data-start=\"5539\" data-end=\"5715\"><strong data-start=\"5539\" data-end=\"5555\">Cancer risk:<\/strong> Even in long-standing, severe RA there is some risk compared to normal; <strong data-start=\"5628\" data-end=\"5668\">drug-related risk is not yet certain<\/strong>\u2014your doctor will monitor <strong data-start=\"5694\" data-end=\"5714\">skin\/lymph nodes<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p data-start=\"5717\" data-end=\"6008\"><strong data-start=\"5717\" data-end=\"5746\">Call your doctor promptly<\/strong> if you have: <strong data-start=\"5760\" data-end=\"5774\">high fever<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5776\" data-end=\"5786\">chills<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5788\" data-end=\"5808\">persistent cough<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5810\" data-end=\"5833\">shortness of breath<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5835\" data-end=\"5851\">night sweats<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5853\" data-end=\"5880\">unexplained weight loss<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5882\" data-end=\"5915\">burning or frequent urination<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5917\" data-end=\"5950\">warm-red-painful skin patches<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5952\" data-end=\"6007\">severe rash\/swelling\/difficulty breathing (allergy)<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba10c30 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ba10c30\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"Vaccines\">Vaccines<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68292a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"68292a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"6027\" data-end=\"6163\"><p data-start=\"6029\" data-end=\"6163\"><strong data-start=\"6029\" data-end=\"6052\">Avoid live vaccines<\/strong> (<strong data-start=\"6054\" data-end=\"6061\">MMR<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"6063\" data-end=\"6086\">chickenpox\/Zostavax<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"6088\" data-end=\"6104\">yellow fever<\/strong>) while on treatment and for <strong data-start=\"6133\" data-end=\"6160\">3 months after stopping<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"6164\" data-end=\"6309\"><p data-start=\"6166\" data-end=\"6309\"><strong data-start=\"6166\" data-end=\"6187\">Non-live vaccines<\/strong> (<strong data-start=\"6189\" data-end=\"6201\">flu shot<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"6203\" data-end=\"6219\">pneumococcal<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"6221\" data-end=\"6233\">Shingrix<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"6235\" data-end=\"6247\">COVID-19<\/strong>) can be taken; <strong data-start=\"6263\" data-end=\"6306\">immune response may be somewhat reduced<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"6310\" data-end=\"6443\"><p data-start=\"6312\" data-end=\"6443\">Before starting, review <strong data-start=\"6336\" data-end=\"6359\">chickenpox\/shingles<\/strong> history and, if needed, consider vaccinating <strong data-start=\"6405\" data-end=\"6434\">family\/household contacts<\/strong> as well.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6290940 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6290940\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"Interactions\">Compatibility with other medicines<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dcead86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dcead86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"6488\" data-end=\"6556\"><p data-start=\"6490\" data-end=\"6556\">Very common with <strong data-start=\"6507\" data-end=\"6523\">methotrexate<\/strong>\u2014works well in <strong data-start=\"6538\" data-end=\"6553\">combination<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"6557\" data-end=\"6611\"><p data-start=\"6559\" data-end=\"6611\"><strong data-start=\"6559\" data-end=\"6581\">NSAIDs\/paracetamol<\/strong> may be continued as needed.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"6612\" data-end=\"6716\"><p data-start=\"6614\" data-end=\"6716\">Before starting any new <strong data-start=\"6638\" data-end=\"6652\">herbal\/OTC<\/strong> product, inform the <strong data-start=\"6673\" data-end=\"6694\">rheumatology team<\/strong> with documentation.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"6717\" data-end=\"6951\"><p data-start=\"6719\" data-end=\"6951\"><strong data-start=\"6719\" data-end=\"6742\">Blood sugar testing<\/strong> on <strong data-start=\"6746\" data-end=\"6762\">infusion day<\/strong> (the <strong data-start=\"6768\" data-end=\"6803\">IV formulation contains maltose<\/strong>)\u2014some strips can show <strong data-start=\"6826\" data-end=\"6840\">false-high<\/strong> readings; if needed, use an <strong data-start=\"6869\" data-end=\"6898\">alternative glucose meter<\/strong>. This issue <strong data-start=\"6911\" data-end=\"6929\">does not occur<\/strong> with the <strong data-start=\"6939\" data-end=\"6945\">SC<\/strong> form.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b7868d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9b7868d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"Storage\">Storage and practical tips<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a13023 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3a13023\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li data-start=\"6988\" data-end=\"7106\"><p data-start=\"6990\" data-end=\"7106\"><strong data-start=\"6990\" data-end=\"7026\">Pre-filled syringe\/autoinjector:<\/strong> Always keep <strong data-start=\"7039\" data-end=\"7063\">refrigerated (2\u20138\u00b0C)<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"7065\" data-end=\"7084\">away from light<\/strong>; <strong data-start=\"7086\" data-end=\"7103\">do not freeze<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"7107\" data-end=\"7257\"><p data-start=\"7109\" data-end=\"7257\"><strong data-start=\"7109\" data-end=\"7133\">If a dose is missed:<\/strong> If <strong data-start=\"7137\" data-end=\"7154\">within 3 days<\/strong>, take as soon as you remember; if <strong data-start=\"7189\" data-end=\"7199\">longer<\/strong> than that, <strong data-start=\"7211\" data-end=\"7227\">ask the team<\/strong> when to take the next dose.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"7258\" data-end=\"7477\"><p data-start=\"7260\" data-end=\"7477\"><strong data-start=\"7260\" data-end=\"7285\">To reduce infections:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"7286\" data-end=\"7309\">Wash\/sanitize hands<\/strong> regularly, <strong data-start=\"7321\" data-end=\"7351\">avoid crowds\/close contact<\/strong> with people with fever-cough, maintain <strong data-start=\"7391\" data-end=\"7407\">oral hygiene<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"7409\" data-end=\"7437\">store\/cook food properly<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"7439\" data-end=\"7455\">stop smoking<\/strong>\u2014build these habits.<\/p><\/li><li data-start=\"7478\" data-end=\"7580\"><p data-start=\"7480\" data-end=\"7580\">Keep a <strong data-start=\"7487\" data-end=\"7518\">biologic therapy alert card<\/strong>\u2014so in an emergency, clinicians know you are on <strong data-start=\"7566\" data-end=\"7579\">abatacept<\/strong>.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d44ac4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8d44ac4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"#\" id=\"Results\">What results for whom?<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e50303b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e50303b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In clinical trials many people noticed <strong data-start=\"7652\" data-end=\"7681\">improvement in 6\u201312 weeks<\/strong>; over the long term <strong data-start=\"7702\" data-end=\"7724\">joint damage slows<\/strong> and ability to perform <strong data-start=\"7748\" data-end=\"7768\">daily activities<\/strong> improves. But responses <strong data-start=\"7793\" data-end=\"7801\">vary<\/strong>\u2014some may take longer or may need to <strong data-start=\"7838\" data-end=\"7868\">switch to another biologic<\/strong>. Your rheumatologist will assess <strong data-start=\"7902\" data-end=\"7930\">safety and effectiveness<\/strong> with <strong data-start=\"7936\" data-end=\"7959\">regular blood tests<\/strong>, monitoring for <strong data-start=\"7976\" data-end=\"7998\">signs of infection<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"8000\" data-end=\"8015\">skin checks<\/strong>, etc.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea3fcd5 e-con-full pta-final e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ea3fcd5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9fed2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f9fed2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"112\" data-end=\"578\"><strong>final word<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"112\" data-end=\"578\"><strong data-start=\"112\" data-end=\"135\">Abatacept (Orencia)<\/strong> is a biologic DMARD that works by calming down overactive T-cells. It helps reduce pain and swelling, slow down disease progression, and protect joints in conditions like <strong data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"327\">RA, PsA, and JIA<\/strong>. For some people it also prevents <strong data-start=\"362\" data-end=\"370\">GVHD<\/strong> after stem cell transplant.<br data-start=\"398\" data-end=\"401\" \/>Results are usually seen in <strong data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"443\">6\u201312 weeks<\/strong>, but not everyone responds the same way. Regular monitoring, safe vaccination practices, and avoiding infection risks are essential.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64f4c25 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"64f4c25\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"425\"><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong><\/p><p data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"425\">This article is a <strong data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"288\">research- and guideline-based educational summary<\/strong>. The information presented here has been collected from international medical guidelines, FDA drug labels, and peer-reviewed research.<\/p><p data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"571\">However, each patient\u2019s condition may be different, so for personal treatment decisions you should always <strong data-start=\"533\" data-end=\"568\">discuss with your own physician<\/strong>.<\/p><p data-start=\"573\" data-end=\"782\">If you experience <strong data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"694\">high fever, severe infection, allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or any other urgent symptoms<\/strong>, please seek medical attention immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c9abf3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4c9abf3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Sources<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dac1c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4dac1c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>At Pataful, every health article is based on information from peer-reviewed journals, reputable academic institutions, and trusted medical organizations. We select high-quality, verifiable sources and update our content regularly. See our editorial policy for details.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8c3ac2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b8c3ac2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2013\/125118s171lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2013\/125118s171lbl.pdf<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e3ebc2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"8e3ebc2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\r\n\"mainEntity\":[\r\n  {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is Abatacept used for?\",\r\n   \"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Abatacept (Orencia) is used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and certain types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.\"}},\r\n  {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long until Abatacept works?\",\r\n   \"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Many patients notice improvement within 6\u201312 weeks, though timing varies.\"}},\r\n  {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I take vaccines on Abatacept?\",\r\n   \"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Avoid live vaccines while on therapy. Inactivated vaccines are generally allowed; discuss timing with your clinician.\"}},\r\n  {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is Abatacept taken with methotrexate?\",\r\n   \"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It can be used alone or with methotrexate, but it should not be combined with other biologic DMARDs.\"}},\r\n  {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are common side effects?\",\r\n   \"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Common effects include headache and mild infections (such as upper respiratory infections). Serious infections can occur and require prompt medical attention.\"}}\r\n]}\r\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Abatacept (Orencia): Uses, How It Works, Dosage &amp; Precautions \u2014 A Simple, Complete Guid Illustrative AI-generated image of Abacavir 300 mg tablets \u2014 for educational use only, not an actual product photo. Quick Intro Abatacept (brand name: Orencia) is a biologic DMARD used to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It works by [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[290],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drugs"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3610","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3610"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3610\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3667,"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3610\/revisions\/3667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3610"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3610"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pataful.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3610"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}