Abatacept

Abatacept is a medicine that is prescribed for treating rheumatoid arthritis after other medications have failed. It can help reduce tender or swollen joints, slow structural damage to the joints, and improve physical activity in people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Abatacept is administered through an IV at a healthcare provider's office or an infusion center. Potential side effects of abatacept include headache, cough, and dizziness.

 

What Is Abatacept?

Abatacept (Orencia®) is a prescription medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, it is approved to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in people who have not adequately responded to other rheumatoid arthritis medications.
 
(Click What Is Abatacept Used For? for more information on abatacept uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Abatacept?

Abatacept is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
 

How Does Abatacept Work?

Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be caused by an overactive immune system that attacks the body's own healthy tissues. Many rheumatoid arthritis treatments work by suppressing the immune system, preventing the body from attacking itself.
 
Abatacept works by inhibiting T cells. T cells are a type of white blood cell (leukocytes) that play an important role in the immune system. Abatacept seems to prevent T cells from being active and multiplying too much.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;