ORENCIA (Abatacept)

What is this medication?

ORENCIA (Abatacept)
Antirheumatic, Disease Modifying; Selective T-Cell Costimulation Blocker

ORENCIA (Abatacept) is a selective T cell costimulation modulator indicated for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis as monotherapy or concomitant with other DMARDs.

How does this medication work? 

ORENCIA (Abatacept) is a selective costimulation modulator, inhibits T cell (T lymphocyte) activation by binding to CD80 and CD86, thereby blocking interaction with CD28. This interaction provides a costimulatory signal necessary for full activation of T lymphocytes.

How should I take this medication? 

IV: If initiating therapy with an intravenous loading dose, administer a single intravenous infusion (as per body weight).

SQ: For maintenance, a 125 mg subcutaneous injection given within a day of the intravenous infusion. Patients transitioning from ORENCIA (Abatacept) intravenous therapy to subcutaneous administration should administer the first subcutaneous dose instead of the next scheduled intravenous dose.

How to Take: Administer as a 30 minute intravenous infusion.  Following the initial dose, give at 2 and 4 weeks, then every 4 weeks.  Prepare ORENCIA (Abatacept) using only the silicone-free disposable syringe. Use only sterile water to reconstitute the powder.  The reconstituted product must be administered using a filter.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting ORENCIA (Abatacept), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, you may be at an increased risk of infection and malignancy and should be used in patients who are immunocompromised (i.e. COPD).  Concomitant use with a TNF antagonist can increase the risk of infections and serious infections.  Discontinue ORENCIA (Abatacept) if a serious infection develops.  Screen for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. If you test positive for TB, get treated before receiving ORENCIA. Live vaccines should not be given concurrently or within 3 months of discontinuation.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a scheduled dose, talk to your doctor to find out when you should take your next dose. Try your best to take medication as scheduled, and set reminders on days that you are scheduled to take ORENCIA (Abatacept).

How should I store this medication?

Store in the refrigerator at 36 °F to 46 °F (2 °C to 8 °C) until you are ready to use. Be sure to keep in the original package and out of the light. DO NOT freeze. Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Headache, nausea, antibody development, infection, influenza, bronchitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for ORENCIA (Abatacept), only common ones.