Abatacept
Abatacept is a biologic medication that works by blocking T-cell activation to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions. It is prescribed for adults and children with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis who have not responded adequately to other therapies.
Abatacept is an immunosuppressant biologic that prevents T-cell activation to treat inflammatory arthritis conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AA24
- RxNorm
- 614391
- Generic
- Abatacept
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Orencia
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 125mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 50mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 125mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue use at least 3 months prior to planned pregnancy; avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
consider discontinuation; if continued, use lowest effective dose
regular fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue at least 3 months prior to delivery if possible
fetal monitoring and assessment of maternal infection risk
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue abatacept; limited data on excretion in human milk
monitor infant for signs of infection
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusno specific adjustment; start at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased susceptibility to infections; monitor closely for adverse effects
regular monitoring of infection signs, liver function, and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
juvenile idiopathic arthritisweight-based dosing required
approved for patients 2 years and older with moderate to severe polyarticular JIA; administer IV infusion monthly based on weight
monitor for infections, vital signs during infusion, and response to therapy
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
can be used without dose adjustment for CrCl 30-90 mL/min; monitor renal function
periodic assessment of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severelimited data
use with caution; limited clinical trial data available for CrCl less than 30 mL/min
close monitoring of renal function and infection signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatenot studied
not studied in hepatic impairment; use with caution
monitor liver function tests
hepatic_impairment
severenot studied
not recommended; no clinical data available
monitor liver function and for signs of hepatic toxicity
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Abatacept (Orencia)
Drug class
Classification as biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacologic mechanism
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Treats rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Typically used when patients have not responded to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate.
Abatacept binds to CD80 and CD86 proteins on antigen-presenting cells, blocking their interaction with CD28 receptors on T-cells. This prevents the costimulatory signal required for full T-cell activation, thereby reducing inflammatory immune responses.
Administered as intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection. May increase risk of infections and should not be used with TNF antagonists. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Common side effects include headache, upper respiratory infections, and nausea.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy