Orencia ratings & reviews

Orencia contains the active ingredient abatacept in a form intended for intravenous and subcutaneous administration. Abatacept, a selective T-cell costimulation modulator, is presented as a lyophilized powder for IV infusion and as a solution in prefilled syringes or autoinjectors for subcutaneous use. Each vial for IV infusion provides 250 mg of abatacept with key inactive ingredients such as maltose, monobasic sodium phosphate, and sodium chloride. The subcutaneous formulation does not contain maltose.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein or injected under the skin. Infusions are given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may be injected under the skin at home.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

If you take this medication at home, keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in the refrigerator. Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of the medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Having surgery
• Hepatitis B or history of hepatitis B infection
• Immune system problems
• Infection, especially a viral infection, such as chickenpox, cold sores, herpes
• Lung or breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD
• Recent or upcoming vaccine
• Tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to abatacept, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Anakinra
• Baricitinib
• Canakinumab
• Medications that lower your chance of fighting an infection
• Rituximab
• TNF blockers, such as adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab
• Tocilizumab
• Tofacitinib
• Upadacitinib
• Ustekinumab

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your care team prescribed any medication for TB, you should start taking the TB medication before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team if you get fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

If you have diabetes and are getting this medication as an infusion, it may give false high blood sugar readings on the day of your dose. This may happen if you use certain types of blood glucose tests. Your care team may tell you to use a different way to monitor your blood sugar levels.