Abatacept Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

ABATACEPT (a ba TA sept) is used to treat moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults. This medicine is also used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, unusual tiredness, pain or trouble passing urine, or warm, red or painful skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

• dizziness

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• sore throat

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• adalimumab

• anakinra

• certolizumab

• etanercept

• golimumab

• infliximab

• live virus vaccines

• rituximab

• tocilizumab

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• are taking other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis

• COPD

• diabetes

• infection or history of infections

• recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine

• scheduled to have surgery

• tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis

• viral hepatitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to abatacept, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Call your doctor or health care professional if you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine. Do not treat yourself. This medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infection. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.