Abciximab

Abciximab is indicated for use in individuals undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (angioplasty with or without stent placement). The use of abciximab in this setting is associated with a decreased incidence of ischemic complications due to the procedure^[1] and a decreased need for repeated coronary artery revascularization in the first month following the procedure.^[2] Research also shows that this drug can be use for patients with diabetes and chronic renal insufficiency. Though it is not appropriate drug of choice if a patient is scheduled for an emergency surgery (ie:heart surgery) because bleeding time may take about 12hours to normalize.

Abatacept

Orencia®

Abatacept (marketed as Orencia) is a fusion protein composed of an immunoglobulin fused to the extracellular domain of CTLA-4, a molecule capable of binding B7. Abatacept is a selective costimulation modulator as it inhibits the costimulation of T cells. It was developed by Bristol-Myers-Squibb and is licensed in the United States for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the case of inadequate response to anti-TNFα therapy.

ABATACEPT (Orencia®) may be used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Generic abatacept is not yet available.

Abarelix

Abarelix (Plenaxis)is an injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH antagonist). It is primarily used in oncology to reduce the amount of testosterone made in patients with advanced symptomatic prostate cancer for which no other treatment options are available. It belongs to the family of drugs called Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists.

WARNING

Immediate-onset systemic allergic reactions, some resulting in hypotension and syncope, have occurred after administration of Plenaxis™. These immediate-onset reactions have been reported to occur following any administration of Plenaxis™, including after the initial dose. The cumulative risk of such a reaction increases with the duration of treatment (see WARNINGS). Following each injection of Plenaxis™, patients should be observed for at least 30 minutes in the office and in the event of an allergic reaction, managed appropriately.

Only physicians who have enrolled in the Plenaxis™ PLUS Program (Plenaxis™ User Safety Program), based on their attestation of qualifications and acceptance of prescribing responsibilities, may prescribe Plenaxis™ (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and HOW SUPPLIED).

Plenaxis™ is indicated for the palliative treatment of men with advanced symptomatic prostate cancer, in whom LHRH agonist therapy is not appropriate and who refuse surgical castration, and have one or more of the following: (1) risk of neurological compromise due to metastases, (2) ureteral or bladder outlet obstruction due to local encroachment or metastatic disease, or (3) severe bone pain from skeletal metastases persisting on narcotic analgesia.

The effectiveness of Plenaxis™ in suppressing serum testosterone to castrate levels decreases with continued dosing in some patients (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics). Effectiveness beyond 12 months has not been established. Treatment failure can be detected by measuring serum total testosterone concentrations just prior to administration on Day 29 and every 8 weeks thereafter (see WARNINGS).