Abatacept has been evaluated for
rheumatoid arthritis in several different studies. In these studies, the drug was given to people who had unsuccessfully tried various other
rheumatoid arthritis medications. People who took abatacept had fewer tender or swollen joints and were better able to perform their usual daily activities (such as walking, eating, or dressing), compared to people who did not take it. Abatacept also slowed down the structural damage to the joints.
Because abatacept targets a specific part of the immune system, it is called a "biological response modifier" -- it changes (modifies) the body's immune response. It is also known as a "biologic" medication because it is made out of parts of cells or proteins.
Is Abatacept Used in Children?
Abatacept is not approved for treating rheumatoid
arthritis in children (often known as
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using this drug in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend abatacept for treating something other than rheumatoid arthritis. Currently,
off-label uses for abatacept include treatment of various autoimmune conditions, such as:
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