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Abatacept 💊
Always check the BNF entry for Abatacept for the most up-to-date dosing and safety advice. Abatacept is a specialist drug used in inflammatory arthritis where standard DMARDs have failed.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- 🛡️ T-cell activation inhibitor.
- It is a soluble fusion protein: CTLA-4 linked to the Fc portion of IgG1 (CTLA4-Ig).
- Prevents co-stimulatory signalling needed for full T-cell activation → dampens autoimmune inflammation.
💊 Indications
- 🤲 Moderate-to-severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (specialist use only).
- 🧴 Psoriatic Arthritis (specialist use only).
📌 Dosing (must always check BNF or product literature)
| Regimen | Notes (Dose, Frequency, Route) |
|---|---|
| Adults ≤60 kg | 500 mg — IV — every 2 weeks ×3 doses, then every 4 weeks |
| Adults 60–100 kg | 750 mg — IV — every 2 weeks ×3 doses, then every 4 weeks |
| Adults ≥101 kg | 1000 mg — IV — every 2 weeks ×3 doses, then every 4 weeks |
| Subcutaneous | 125 mg once weekly — SC — review after 6 months if no response |
💡 Response should be assessed at 6 months → discontinue if ineffective.
🔀 Interactions
- 📋 See BNF for full list.
- ⚠️ Risk of infection ↑ with other immunosuppressants.
⚠️ Cautions
- 🧫 Screen for latent infections (e.g. TB, hepatitis) before treatment.
- 👶 Effective contraception required during therapy and until 14 weeks after last dose.
- 💉 Vaccinations: avoid live vaccines during treatment.
🚫 Contraindications
- ❌ Severe or uncontrolled infection.
💥 Side Effects
- 🤧 Respiratory: cough, URTIs.
- 💊 GI: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, oral ulceration, abdominal discomfort.
- 🤕 Headache, dizziness, hypertension.
- 🦠 Increased risk of infection.
- 🌸 Skin reactions and rashes.
📚 References
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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