Abatacept, which is a biologics disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), is a selective T Cell costimulation modulator. It can modulate the activity of immune system cells to suppress inflammatory signals causing arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Abatacept can be injected subcutaneously, or administered through intravenous infusion.
For psoriatic arthritis, and moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis:
IV infusion: Dosing is according to body weight. Following the initial IV infusion, repeat IV infusion at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the initial infusion, and every 4 weeks thereafter.
<60 kg: 500 mg
60-100 kg: 750 mg
>100 kg: 1000 mg
Subcutaneously: 125 mg once weekly.
For juvenile idiopathic arthritis:
Children ≥6 years and adolescents:
IV infusion: Dosing is according to body weight. Following the initial IV infusion, repeat IV infusion at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the initial infusion, and every 4 weeks thereafter.
<75 kg: 10 mg/kg
75-100 kg: 750 mg
>100 kg: 1000 mg
Children ≥2 years and adolescents:
Subcutaneously:
10-<25 kg: 50 mg once weekly
25-<50 kg: 87.5 mg once weekly
≥50 kg: 125 mg once weekly
Common dosing schedule:
Abatacept can be injected subcutaneously in the thigh and stomach by yourself, or upper arm by your caregiver only.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Abatacept may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Abatacept is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Abatacept in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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