Abataceptum
Description
Selective immunosuppressants. Abatacept is a fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of CTLA-4 attached to a modified Fc fragment of human immunoglobulin G1. Selectively modulates the costimulatory signal necessary for full activation of T lymphocytes expressing CD28.
Indications
Used to treat moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients if other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis have elicited an inadequate response or have been intolerable. It has been found that when abatacept is used in combination with methotrexate, joint damage progresses more slowly and physical function improves.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Severe and uncontrolled infections, such as sepsis and opportunistic infections.
Dosage
For adults. Administered intravenously by infusion according to the recommendations of registered medicines (see more about registered medicines).
For children. There is no experience in children or adolescents, so it is not recommended for them.
For elderly patients. No dose adjustment is needed.
IFN. The effect on patients with these disorders has not been studied.
KFN. The effect on patients with these disorders has not been studied.
Undesirable reactions
Most common: headache, dizziness.
Others: cough; abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia; rash; respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection; hypertension, flushing; fatigue, asthenia; tachycardia, bradycardia; thrombocytopenia, leukopenia; paresthesia; conjunctivitis, decreased visual acuity; gastritis, mouth ulcers; hemorrhages; arthralgia, limb pain; flu-like symptoms; amenorrhea; depression, anxiety.
Pregnancy
There is insufficient data.
Breastfeeding
Abatacept has been found in the milk of rats. Whether this drug is excreted in human milk is unknown. Breastfeeding is not recommended during and up to 14 weeks after the last dose of abatacept.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use the drug with TNF blocking agents. Allergic reactions are rare. In case of severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction, treatment should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated. Abatacept may affect the body’s defense mechanisms against infection and malignancies. Concurrent use of biological immunosuppressants or immunomodulators may enhance the effect on the immune system. The drug should not be administered to a patient with an active infection until it is suppressed. Before prescribing, it should be investigated whether the patient has latent tuberculosis, viral hepatitis. While the patient is taking abatacept and for 3 months after, live vaccines should not be administered. It may reduce the effectiveness of some vaccinations.
Source | Drug Guide | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology | Doctor of Medical Sciences Rimas Jankūnas, Doctor of Medical Sciences Arvydas Milašius | Clinic of Internal Diseases | Doctor of Medical Sciences Palmira Leišytė