Abatacept (Cont.)

When and How to Take Abatacept

General considerations for when and how to take this medication include the following:
 
  • Abatacept is taken by IV. The first three doses are given every two weeks; after that, they are given once every four weeks.
     
  • You will probably receive your dose at your healthcare provider's office or at an infusion center. The IV takes about 30 minutes, but the entire process usually lasts longer, due to paperwork, waiting, and preparation for the IV.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Abatacept will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of abatacept your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your weight
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Abatacept Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Abatacept

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with abatacept. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of abatacept include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Abatacept Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Abatacept Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;