abatacept infusions

[kizzy12]

hi, have just had my first abatacept infusion and was wondering if anyone else has them and how they get on with it...i am the first to try it at warwick hospital so new for all involved

[farm123]

Hi, I have been on weekly self inject Abatacept since November but have no experience of the infusions. I do find the following day after injection is a slow day. It has made a difference to me although I am still not fully controlled I am better than last year. Hope it works for you. Farm

[kizzy12 in reply to farm123]

thankyou...apparently the infusions are new and work better...fingers crossed as its my last hope til they come up with some more new drugs

[farm123 in reply to kizzy12]

The infusions have been around for a while whilst the injections were only approved by NICE around April last year.

I am the same as you with this being my last hope for the time being which is why we are still using it even though I am not fully controlled.

Farm

[kizzy12 in reply to farm123]

oh right ..thankyou....just desperate for something to work as have had no quality of life for over a year x

[Hidden]

Hi Kizzy,

I do hope abatacept works well for you. I have put a link here to our article on abatacept that you may find useful :

nras.org.uk/abatacept-orencia-

Regards

Sally ( NRAS helpline)

[Metal-legs]

Hi kizzy

I have been on abatacept injections since April and so far they are working quite well. Although my CRP levels are fluctuating at the moment. Allanah is on abatacept infusions but is away at the moment. She's the one to talk to about the infusions. I wish you all the very best and hope your quality of life improves very soon.

[Jeanabelle60]

hello, i have been on Abatacept now for nearly two years. i have to say that having been on Humira, Enbrel and Tocilimabe i have been giving a new lease of life. my first 6 doses were given by infusion at the local hospital and self injecting after that. well, not exactly 'self injecting'....... im left handed and as it is slightly deformed i am physically unable to do it but the hospital trained a great neighbour of mine to do it and so the lovely Bridie comes across the street to me every monday and injects me.

this drug, for me, has just been miraculous to say the least. i had just two 'flare up' since starting it but both passed with the help of steroid injections. i can do almost everything i could do before i got RD.

i really hope it works as well for you. good luck and all the best

don't worry about the whole injecting thing.....it soon passes and just becomes routine. keep in touch. XX

[farm123 in reply to Jeanabelle60]

I'm glad to hear the flares passed as I remember you were struggling and hoping it was not the end of Abatacept for you. Farm

[Jeanabelle60 in reply to farm123]

hello Farm, yes much, much better. body flare and jaw flare (yes there were two seperate flares!!). Abatacept doing its job really well, thank goodness. what about yourself?

[farm123 in reply to Jeanabelle60]

Unfortunately not as good as I would like but sticking with it for the moment. Its doing better than the last 3 biologics but not fully controlled. Farm

[Jeanabelle60 in reply to farm123]

i know what its like going through all the available bio's......i was told that for now Abatacept is the end of the road, for me anyhow. there are other drugs being researched but none ready for use yet. i really hope things work out for you soon. XX

[kizzy12 in reply to Jeanabelle60]

thats fantastic news..hope it works for me too..i am having infusions as i dont cope well with needles...if i do half as well as you i will be happy..thanyou x

[Jeanabelle60 in reply to kizzy12]

here's hoping. XX

[julie_warwick]

I don't have any experience with this myself , but just wanted to say hi to you as I go to warwick hospital too and don't know anyone else local with RA , hope it works for you , I am on cimzia and leflunomide but it doesn't seem to be doing much for me x

[CallMeSunny]

Hello Kitty12...I have seen your post (from 6 years ago!) re Abatacept at Warwick Hospital as I was wondering if anyone is receiving treatment there. Firstly, sorry to hear you had been in such a bad way and just hoping that Abatacept worked for you and if not, you have found a treatment that does. My rheumatologist wants me to consider Adalimumab to control inflammatory RA (Metho and Sulpha haven’t helped): I would be seen at Warwick (Dr. Vasta). I would be very grateful if you could tell me your experience whilst been treated there. Many thanks and best wishes. Sue.