Rheumatoid arthritis (refractory) - abatacept

Summary

Abatacept is not recommended for people with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have already tried drugs known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (including a 'TNF inhibitor'drug), which didn't work or weren't suitable.
Healthcare professionals should not stop prescribing abatacept for people who were already taking it when the guidance was issued. These patients should be able to carry on taking abatacept until they and their specialist decide that it is the right time to stop treatment.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA141 Rheumatoid arthritis (refractory) - abatacept: quick reference guide
• TA141 Rheumatoid arthritis (refractory) - abatacept: full guidance
• TA141: Rheumatoid arthritis (refractory) - abatacept: full guidance (MS word format)

For patients, carers and the public

• TA141 Rheumatoid arthritis (refractory) - abatacept: understanding NICE guidance
• TA141 Rheumatoid arthritis (refractory) - abatacept: understanding NICE guidance (MS word format)

Background information

• 2008/030 NICE issues guidance on abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (refractory) - abatacept: costing statement
• Rheumatoid arthritis (refractory) - abatacept: audit support