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abatacept vs ketorolac

Side-by-side comparison of abatacept and ketorolac Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

Drug Class
abatacept T-Cell Co-Stimulation Modulator
ketorolac Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Type
abatacept Prescription
ketorolac Prescription
Summary
abatacept

Orencia is a medicine that helps to reduce inflammation. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

ketorolac

Ketorolac (Toradol) is a strong pain reliever. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

What It Treats
abatacept

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.

ketorolac

Ketorolac is used for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain. It is often used after surgery. You should only use it for up to 5 days.

How It Works
abatacept

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.

ketorolac

Ketorolac reduces pain by blocking the production of substances called prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation and pain. By reducing prostaglandins, ketorolac helps to alleviate pain.

Common Side Effects
abatacept
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold)
  • Runny nose
  • Nausea
ketorolac
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Gas
  • Feeling full
FAERS Reports
abatacept
  • The medicine is not working 38,612
  • Rheumatoid arthritis 23,596
  • Pain 21,295
  • Joint pain 20,151
  • Swollen joint 19,709
ketorolac

No adverse event reports.

Serious Warnings
abatacept

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.

ketorolac

Ketorolac can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and holes in the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. It can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, which can be fatal. Ketorolac is not for long-term use or for treating minor pain. Do not take it before major surgery. It can also cause kidney problems and bleeding problems.

Pregnancy
abatacept

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.

ketorolac

Ketorolac may harm your unborn baby. Do not use ketorolac during labor and delivery. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Also Compare — Nearby Drugs

How to Read This abatacept vs ketorolac Comparison

abatacept is classified in the T-Cell Co-Stimulation Modulator drug class, while ketorolac sits within the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) 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 ketorolac has 0. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. 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 ketorolac — 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.