Belatacept (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 15, 2022.
Increased risk for developing posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), predominantly involving the CNS. Recipients without immunity to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are at a particularly increased risk; therefore, use in EBV-seropositive patients only. Do not use belatacept in transplant recipients who are EBV seronegative or with unknown EBV serostatus. Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of kidney transplant patients should prescribe belatacept. Patients receiving the drug should be managed in facilities equipped and staffed with adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources. Increased susceptibility to infection and the possible development of malignancies may result from immunosuppression. Use in liver transplant patients is not recommended due to an increased risk of graft loss and death .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Nulojix
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Immunological Agent
Uses for belatacept
Belatacept injection belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. It is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney.
When a patient receives a kidney transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted kidney. Belatacept works by suppressing the immune system and prevents the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.
Belatacept is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Before using belatacept
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For belatacept, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to belatacept or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of belatacept injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of belatacept injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving belatacept, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following inte..
