Abatacept

Catkins1971
Catkins1971 Member Posts: 20
edited 17. Nov 2024, 09:17 in Living with arthritis

Hi. Anyone taking Abatacept? I’m due to start it soon.
I was on Rituximab, which was awesome and lasted a year before needing another one, but they won’t let me have it again because I had allergic reaction to the infusion both times.
I hear the headaches and dizziness are bad on Abatacept and it could cause cancer.
I have RA, enlarged spleen, low wbc, low platelets, very low lymphocytes since being on methotrexate a few years ago, which also caused me to have an 8cm wide pseudocyst on pancreas which in turn caused me to have splenic vein thrombosis and now splenic varices. So not had fun in last few years. 😢
Any advice would be appreciated.
thanks xx

Comments

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 133

    Hi @Catkins1971

    I'm not personally familiar with this medication, however here is a link to some more information on it which you may find useful. Really hope it is successful for you!

    Abatacept | Side-effects, uses, time to work

    Claudia x

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • TiredWarrior
    TiredWarrior Member Posts: 23

    Hi @Catkins1971

    I used to be on Abatacept unfortunately for me it was only partially effective and so I’m now on Rituximab.

    I tolerated Abatacept very well and had no side effects at all with it. I have heard it is one of the best biologics for RA and so was very disappointed when it didn’t work for me. It was my 3rd biologic (I had Etanercept which worked for 5 years and Adalimumab which was a failure)

    You can ask me any questions you have. Best Wishes

  • Catkins1971
    Catkins1971 Member Posts: 20

    thank you both for your replies. Rituximab was great for me so I hope it is for you too. Good luck with it. @TiredWarrior

    I was just concerned about the cancer risk on abatacept really. And the vulnerability issues is always a concern with any of these drugs these days. X

  • TiredWarrior
    TiredWarrior Member Posts: 23

    Thank you @Catkins1971

    I have recently had my first 2 infusions and seem to be improving 🤞🏽

    I think we all worry about the risks associated with the medications we take. They are quite strong immunomodulators.
    The issue is that with autoimmune diseases sometimes it’s a choice of choosing the lesser harmful option. My rheumatologist explained that the risk of cancer is slightly higher than normal & mainly risk of melanoma (so maybe use an app to monitor your moles every 3months + full Sun protection). A smaller risk of some other cancers too so attend screening appointments.

    Have a discussion with your rheumatologist about it too. Hopefully they can help you with your concerns

    Best Wishes

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