Abatacept

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

• Antirheumatic, Disease Modifying

What key warnings should I know about before giving this medicine to my child?

• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with child's healthcare provider.

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to abatacept or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to treat arthritis.

How does this medicine work?

• Abatacept is an arthritis-changing medicine. It reduces inflammation and helps reduce symptoms and protect joints from further harm.

How is this medicine given?

• This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• It may take several months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for instructions.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Serious infections have been reported with use of this medicine. If your child has any infection, has many infections, or is taking antibiotics, talk with healthcare provider.
• Talk with healthcare provider before your child receives any vaccinations. Use with this medicine may either increase the risk of serious infection or make the vaccination less effective.
• Hepatitis B testing may be suggested. Unrecognized hepatitis B infection may worsen during treatment.
• If your child has diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. Your child may be more likely to develop infections.
• If your child has lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• If your child has had tuberculosis or has had close contact with someone who has tuberculosis, talk with healthcare provider.
• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Headache.
• Feeling dizzy. Rising slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position is recommended. Children should be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Diarrhea.
• Cough.
• Belly pain.
• Sore throat.
• Irritation where the shot is given.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For the occurrence of side effects.
• Your child will need a tuberculosis test before starting this medicine.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child shows any signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
• If your child shows signs of severe dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has a severe headache.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear allergy identification at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

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