Abatacept use in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence review and recommendations

To review the clinical evidence on abatacept and to formulate recommendations in order to clear up points related to its use in rheumatology.

An expert panel of rheumatologists objectively summarized the evidence on the mechanism of action, practicalities, effectiveness and safety of abatacept, and formulated recommendations following a literature review. The level of evidence and degree of recommendation was established.

The document presents 21 statements focused on evidence or recommendations on abatacept (14 evidence summaries and 9 recommendations). The level of evidence was 2b or higher according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine scale on 14 occasions. The degree of the recommendation was A in two recommendations, C in one, and D in the rest. It was considered important to make recommendations on aspects with lower levels of evidence.

This is a practical document to supplement the summary of product characteristics.