Abatacept and Weed
Edited by Hugh Soames
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Abatacept and Weed
Most people who consume marijuana do so for its mood-altering and relaxing abilities. Weed gives people a high and allows them to relax. However, heavy consumption of weed can cause unwanted results. It can increase the anxiety and depression a person experiences, and it can interact with certain other drugs including Abatacept. It is important to remember that interactions do occur with all types of drugs, to a great or lesser extent and this article details the interactions of mixing Abatacept and Weed.
Mixing Abatacept and Weed
Abatacept, sold under the brand name Orencia, is a medication used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, by interfering with the immune activity of T cells. It is a modified antibody.
Abatacept is a fusion protein composed of the Fc region of the immunoglobulin IgG1 fused to the extracellular domain of CTLA-4. In order for a T cell to be activated and produce an immune response, an antigen-presenting cell must present two signals to the T cell. One of those signals is the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), combined with the antigen, and the other signal is the CD80 or CD86 molecule (also known as B7-1 and B7-2). Abatacept binds to the CD80 and CD86 molecule, and prevents the second signal. Without the second signal, the T cell can’t be activated.
Abatacept was developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and is licensed in the United States for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the case of inadequate response to anti-TNFα therapy. Abatacept received approval from the FDA in 2005.
Abatacept is used to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a second-line agent, and as a first-line agent for people whose RA is severe and rapidly progressing. It also used to treat psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Abatacept has not been tested in pregnant women and it is not known if it is secreted in breast milk; it causes birth defects in rodents when given in very high doses, and is transmitted in rodent breast milk.
Abatacept will likely interfere with any vaccine given while people are taking it.
It should not be used in combination with anakinra or TNF antagonists. Because abatacept, anakinra, and TNF antagonists suppress the immune system, using them in combination may significantly increase the risk for severe infections.
People have experienced serious infections due to abatacept’s suppression of the immune system; some of these infections have been fatal. People with COPD are likely to get lung infections more often than usual. Some people have had anaphylactic reactions to the drug. Abatacept may cause otherwise slow-growing cancers to proliferate and spread, due to suppression of the immune system.
Very common adverse effects (occurring in more than 10% of people) include upper respiratory tract infections. Common adverse effects (occurring in between 1% and 10% of people) include lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, herpes infections, pneumonia, flu, cough, high blood pressure, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, mouth sores, elevated transaminases, rashes, fatigue, weakness, local injection site reactions, and systemic injection reactions.
Abatacept is a fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of CTLA-4 with the hinge, CH2, and CH3 domains of IgG1.
Abatacept is a soluble CTLA-4 analog that prevents antigen-presenting cells (APCs) from delivering the co-stimulatory signal. This prevents the T cells from being fully activated, and even downregulates them. Simple signaling without co-stimulation allows the cell to recognize the primary signal as “self” and not ramp-up responses for future responses as well.
In order for T cells to be activated and attack an antigen, that antigen must be presented to the T cell by an APC.
That activation requires two signals (one of which is called co-stimulatory signal or signal 2):
For signal 1, the APC must bind the antigen to a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, bring that complex to its surface, and present it to the T cell receptor on the surface of the T cell.
For signal 2, the APC must present a B7 protein (CD80 or CD86) on its cell surface to a CD28 protein on the surface of the T cell. These two signals activate the T cell. Without signal 2, the T cell will not be activated, and will become anergic.
Abatacept, which consists of a fusion protein of the extracellular domain of CTLA-4 and human IgG1, binds to the B7 protein on the APC and prevents it from delivering the co-stimulatory signal to the T cell.
Abatacept is the basis for the second-generation belatacept, which was approved by the FDA in 2012. The drugs differ by only 2 amino acids. In organ transplantation, belatacept is intended to provide extended graft survival while limiting the toxicity generated by standard immune-suppressing regimens such as calcineurin inhibitors (for example cyclosporin).
Research has found that anxiety is one of the leading symptoms created by marijuana in users, and that there is a correlation between Abatacept and Weed and an increase in anxiety.
Anyone mixing Abatacept and weed is likely to experience side effects. This happens with all medications whether weed or Abatacept is mixed with them. Side effects can be harmful when mixing Abatacept and weed. Doctors are likely to refuse a patient a Abatacept prescription if the individual is a weed smoker or user. Of course, this could be due to the lack of studies and research completed on the mixing of Abatacept and Weed.
Heavy, long-term weed use is harmful for people. It alters the brain’s functions and structure, and all pharmaceuticals and drugs including Abatacept are designed to have an impact on the brain. There is a misplaced belief that pharmaceuticals and medication work by treating only the parts of the body affected yet this is obviously not the case in terms of Abatacept. For example, simple painkiller medication does not heal the injury, it simply interrupts the brains functions to receive the pain cause by the injury. To say then that two drugs, Abatacept and Weed, dol not interact is wrong. There will always be an interaction between Abatacept and Weed in the brain11.J. D. Brown and A. G. Winterstein, Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/.
One of the milder side effects of mixing Abatacept and Weed is Scromiting. This condition, reportedly caused by mixing Abatacept and Weed, describes a marijuana-induced condition where the user experiences episodes of violent vomiting, which are often so severe and painful that they cause the person to scream. The medical term for Scromiting by mixing Abatacept and Weed is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS. For these reasons, some people choose to quit smoking weed.
It was first included in scientific reports in 2004. Since then, researchers have determined that Scromiting is the result of ongoing, long-term use of marijuana—particularly when the drug contains high levels of THC, marijuana’s main psychoactive ingredient. Some experts believe that the receptors in the gut become overstimulated by THC, thus causing the repeated cycles of vomiting.
In the long run, a person can become even more depressed. There is a belief that marijuana is all-natural and not harmful to a person’s health. This is not true and Abatacept and weed can cause health issues the more a person consumes it.
How does Weed effect the potency of Abatacept?
The way in which the body absorbs and process Abatacept may be affected by weed. Therefore, the potency of the Abatacept may be less effective. Marijuana inhibits the metabolization of Abatacept. Not having the right potency of Abatacept means a person may either have a delay in the relief of their underlying symptoms.
A person seeking Abatacept medication that uses weed should speak to their doctor. It is important the doctor knows about a patient’s weed use, so they can prescribe the right Abatacept medication and strength. Or depending on level of interactions they may opt to prescribe a totally different medication. It is important for the doctor to know about their patient’s marijuana use. Weed is being legalized around the US, so doctors should be open to speaking about a patient’s use of it.
Sideffects of Abatacept and Weed
Many individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to mixing Abatacept and Weed such as:
- Dizziness
- Sluggishness
- Drowsiness
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Hives
- Palpitations
- Respiratory Depression
- Cardiac Arrest
- Coma
- Seizures
- Death
Interestingly, it is impossible to tell what effect mixing this substance with Weed will have on an individual due to their own unique genetic make up and tolerance. It is never advisable to mix Abatacept and Weed due to the chances of mild, moderate and severe side effects. If you are having an adverse reaction from mixing Abatacept and Weed it’s imperative that you head to your local emergency room. Even mixing a small amount of Abatacept and Weed is not recommended.
Taking Abatacept and Weed together
People who take Abatacept and Weed together will experience the effects of both substances. Technically, the specific effects and reactions that occur due to frequent use of Abatacept and weed depend on whether you consume more weed in relation to Abatacept or more Abatacept in relation to weed.
The use of significantly more weed and Abatacept will lead to sedation and lethargy, as well as the synergistic effects resulting from a mixture of the two medications.
People who take both weed and Abatacept may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Abatacept and Weed
- dizziness from Weed and Abatacept
- nausea and vomiting due to Abatacept and Weed
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Abatacept leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Mixing weed and Abatacept
The primary effect of weed is influenced by an increase in the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which is found in the spinal cord and brain stem, and by a reduction in its effect on neuronal transmitters. When weed is combined with Abatacept this primary effect is exaggerated, increasing the strain on the body with unpredictable results.
Weed and Abatacept affects dopamine levels in the brain, causing the body both mental and physical distress. Larger amounts of Abatacept and weed have a greater adverse effect yet leading medical recommendation is that smaller does of Abatacept can be just as harmful and there is no way of knowing exactly how Abatacept and weed is going to affect an individual before they take it.
Taking Abatacept and weed together
People who take Abatacept and weed together will experience the effects of both substances. The use of significantly more Abatacept with weed will lead to sedation and lethargy, as well as the synergistic effects resulting from a mixture of the two medications.
People who take both weed and Abatacept may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Abatacept and weed
- dizziness from weed and Abatacept
- nausea and vomiting of the Abatacept
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Abatacept leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Weed Vs Abatacept
Taking Abatacept in sufficient quantities increases the risk of a heart failure. Additionally, people under the influence of Abatacept and weed may have difficulty forming new memories. With weed vs Abatacept in an individual’s system they become confused and do not understand their environment. Due to the synergistic properties of Abatacept when mixed with weed it can lead to confusion, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Chronic use of Abatacept and weed can lead to permanent changes in the brain22.G. Lafaye, L. Karila, L. Blecha and A. Benyamina, Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/.
Abatacept Vs Weed
Studies investigating the effects of drugs such as Abatacept and weed have shown that the potential for parasomnia (performing tasks in sleep) is dramatically increased when Abatacept and weed are combined. Severe and dangerous side effects can occur when medications are mixed in the system, and sleep disorders are a common side effect of taking weed and Abatacept together.
When a small to medium amount of weed is combined with Abatacept, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can occur. According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) most ER visits and hospitalizations caused by too much weed were associated with other substances such as Abatacept.
How long after taking Abatacept can I smoke weed or take edibles?
To avoid any residual toxicity it is advisable to wait until the Abatacept has totally cleared your system before taking weed, even in small quantities.
Overdose on Abatacept and weed
In the case of Overdose on Abatacept or if you are worried after mixing Abatacept and weed, call a first responder or proceed to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
If you are worried about someone who has taken too much Abatacept or mixed weed with Abatacept then call a first responder or take them to get immediate medical help. The best place for you or someone you care about in the case of a medical emergency is under medical supervision. Be sure to tell the medical team that there is a mix of Abatacept and weed in their system.
Excessive Weed intake and result in scromiting, chs, and anxiety disorder. It is advisable to quit vaping weed if you are feeling these symptoms.
Mixing Abatacept and weed and antidepressants
Weed users feeling depressed and anxious may be prescribed antidepressant medication. There are some antidepressant users who also use Abatacept and weed. These individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to consuming both Abatacept, marijuana and a range of antidepressants.
Studies on weed, Abatacept and antidepressants is almost nil. The reason for so little information on the side effects of the two is mostly down to marijuana being illegal in most places – although a number of states in the United States have legalized the drug.
Self-medicating with Weed and Abatacept
A lot of people suffer from depression caused by weed and Abatacept. How many? According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), in any given year, it is estimated that nearly 16 million adults experience depression. Unfortunately, that number is likely to be wrong due to under reporting. Many people do not report suffering from depression because they do not want to be looked at as suffering from a mental illness. The stigmas around mental health continue and people do not want to be labeled as depressed.
Potential side effects from mixing Abatacept and weed
Quitting weed to take Abatacept
Medical professionals say an individual prescribed or taking Abatacept should not stop using weed cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms can be significant. Heavy pot users should especially avoid going cold turkey. The side effects of withdrawal from weed include anxiety, irritability, loss of sleep, change of appetite, and depression by quitting weed cold turkey and starting to take Abatacept.
A person beginning to use Abatacept should cut back on weed slowly. While reducing the amount of weed use, combine it with mindfulness techniques and/or yoga. Experts stress that non-medication can greatly improve a person’s mood.
Weed and Abatacept can affect a person in various ways. Different types of marijuana produce different side effects. Side effects of weed and Abatacept may include:
- loss of motor skills
- poor or lack of coordination
- lowered blood pressure
- short-term memory loss
- increased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- anxiety
- paranoia
- increased energy
- increased motivation
Mixing Abatacept and weed can also produce hallucinations in users. This makes marijuana a hallucinogenic for some users. Weed creates different side effects in different people, making it a very potent drug. Now, mixing Abatacept or other mental health drugs with weed can cause even more unwanted side effects.
Mixing drugs and weed conclusion
Long-term weed use can make depression and anxiety worse. In addition, using marijuana can prevent Abatacept from working to their full potential33.J. D. Brown and A. G. Winterstein, Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/. Weed consumption should be reduced gradually to get the most out of prescription medication. Marijuana is a drug and it is harmful to individual’s long-term health. Weed has many side effects and the consequences are different to each person who uses it, especially when mixed with Abatacept.
If you take Abatacept, and also drink Alcohol or MDMA, you can research the effects of Abatacept and Alcohol , Abatacept and Cocaine as well as Abatacept and MDMA here.
To find the effects of other drugs and weed refer to our Weed and Other Drugs Index A to L or our Weed and Other Drugs Index M-Z.
Or you could find what you are looking for in our Alcohol and Interactions with Other Drugs index A to L or Alcohol and Interactions with Other Drugs index M to Z , Cocaine and Interactions with Other Drugs index A to L or Cocaine and Interactions with Other Drugs index M to Z or our MDMA and Interactions with Other Drugs Index A to L or MDMA and Interactions with Other Drugs Index M to Z.
Abatacept and Weed
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