Belatacept(bel at’ ah sept)
Nulogix
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug class
T-cell costimulation blocker
Therapeutic Actions
Inhibits cytokine production by T cells required for antigen-specific antibody production by B cells, leading to a decrease in mean immunoglobulin concentrations.
Indications
Prophylaxis of organ rejection in adults receiving kidney transplant (used with basiliximab induction, mycophenolate, corticosteroids)
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with history of serious hypersensitivity to belatacept; Epstein-Barr seronegative or unknown status Epstein-Barr serostatus, pregnancy, lactation, transplants of other organs.
Use cautiously with infections, tuberculosis.
Available Forms
Powder for injection—250 mg/vial
Dosages
Adults
Day of transplant—10 mg/kg IV over 30 min; repeat on day 5, end of week 2, 4, 8 and 12 after transplant. Maintenance—beginning end of wk 16, 5 mg/kg IV over 30 min every 4 wk.
Pediatric patients
Safety and efficacy not established.
Pharmacokinetics
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Metabolism: T1/2: 10–13 days
Distribution: May cross placenta; may enter breast milk
Excretion: Tissue
IV Lines
