abatacept vs infliximab
Side-by-side comparison of abatacept and infliximab Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
moderate Known Drug Interaction
An increased risk of serious infections was seen in clinical studies of other TNF blockers used in combination with anakinra or abatacept, with no added clinical benefit. Because of the nature of the adverse reactions seen with these combinations with TNF blocker therapy, similar toxicities may also result from the combination of anakinra or abatacept with other TNF blockers. Therefore, the combination of INFLECTRA and anakinra or abatacept is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] .
Recommendation: This combination is not recommended. Your doctor should avoid prescribing these two medications at the same time to prevent dangerous infections.
Orencia
Remicade
Orencia is a medicine that helps to reduce inflammation. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Inflectra is a medicine that blocks a protein called TNF. It is used to treat autoimmune diseases and reduce inflammation.
Orencia treats rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It also treats polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years and older. Orencia can also treat active psoriatic arthritis in patients 2 years and older. Finally, it can prevent acute graft versus host disease after a stem cell transplant.
Inflectra treats Crohn's disease in adults and children (6+). It helps reduce symptoms and keep the disease under control. It also treats ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis.
Orencia works by blocking the activity of certain immune cells called T cells. These T cells can cause inflammation and damage to your joints and other tissues. By blocking T cell activity, Orencia can help reduce inflammation and relieve your symptoms.
Inflectra blocks a protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF can cause inflammation and damage in autoimmune diseases. By blocking TNF, Inflectra can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
- • Headache
- • Upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold)
- • Runny nose
- • Nausea
- • Infections (like colds, sinus infections, and sore throat)
- • Infusion-related reactions
- • Headache
- • Abdominal pain
- The medicine is not working 38,612
- Rheumatoid arthritis 23,596
- Pain 21,295
- Joint pain 20,151
- Swollen joint 19,709
- The medicine is not working 38,909
- Using the medicine for a condition it is not approved for 36,963
- Reaction during or shortly after the infusion 18,647
- Condition got worse 18,302
- Rheumatoid arthritis 18,137
Using Orencia with a TNF antagonist or other biologic medicines can raise your risk of serious infections. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. Orencia can also cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling, or hives.
Inflectra can increase your risk of serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Tell your doctor if you have any infection symptoms. You should be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before starting Inflectra. Some people, especially children and young adults, have developed cancers like lymphoma while taking TNF blockers. Some of these cancers have been fatal.
There is not enough information about Orencia use in pregnant women to know if it is safe. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Inflectra can pass to your baby during pregnancy, mainly in the third trimester. Live vaccines are not recommended for at least 6 months after birth for babies exposed to Inflectra in the womb.
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How to Read This abatacept vs infliximab Comparison
abatacept is classified in the T-Cell Co-Stimulation Modulator drug class, while infliximab sits within the TNF-Alpha Inhibitor (Biologic) class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, abatacept has 123,363 submissions while infliximab has 130,958. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known moderate interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to both drugs weaken the immune system, which makes it much harder for the body to fight off serious infections. using them together does not provide any extra health benefits.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between abatacept and infliximab — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.