belatacept (Nulojix)

Indications

• renal transplantation
  • prophylaxis of renal graft rejection (adults)
• for use in combination with basiliximab induction, mycophenolate mofetil, & corticosteroids
• for use only in renal transplant patients who are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seropositive

Contraindications

• use in liver transplant patients is not recommended due to an increased risk of graft loss & death

Adverse effects

• increased risk of
  • post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, predominantly involving the central nervous system
  • progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

• drug adverse effects of immunosuppressive agents

Mechanism of action

• selective T-cell costimulation blocker

More general terms

• immunosuppressive agent