Orencia

Hi everyone. Does anyone take Orencia infusions? If so, what is your experience? Any side effects? How effective is it for you?

Thanks

[Mistydawn]

Hi ReneeFaye

I took Orencia subcut for three and a half months and it was a miracle drug. It started working within weeks and no obvious side effects.

However, after three months my vertiginous migraines returned with a vengeance so I stopped tsking it. I restarted the injections three Mingus ago and it doesn’t seem to be as effective as before.

My consultant suggested swapping it for Benepali which k am yet to try.

Misty

[Hidden in reply to Mistydawn]

Thanks Mistydawn. I'm sorry you had to stop something that was working for you. I've got to find something. I wish you well.

[shareasmile]

I was just approved for Orencia and had my first injection last Wednesday. I have not had a miraculous change yet, but am hoping that a few weeks from now will notice some real improvement. I have had no adverse reactions so far. I hope you get relief from it. For some it works overnight (like Enbrel did for me--until it stopped working), but others require patience. Here's to a quick few weeks!

[Hidden]

Thank you. I have my first IV infusion next week and praying for great results. I pray your injections work well for you too!

[Lucy11]

Hi Renee,

I’ve been on Orencia infusions for a little over a year and it’s been really good for me. I have no side effects whatsoever although it did take between 6-7 months to really kick in which felt like an eternity so here’s hoping it’s much quicker for you!

I also inject MTX which use to be as high as 17.5 mg but have now tapered down to 7.5 mg

Best of all possible news for me is that I’m now able to go 6 weeks between infusions.

Best of luck. I really hope it makes you feel better soon!

Lucy.

[Hidden in reply to Lucy11]

Thanks so much Lucy. Glad you're feeling better and hope I can find relief too.

Renee

[thelmar]

Hi, I have been having monthly infusions of Orencia (Abatacept) for 2 years now. In the early days I had a headache the following day but even that has gone away.

I am also on methotrexate (20mgs Metoject) once a week and daily hydroxychloroquine. At my last appointment I was told that they will start to reduce these at my next appointment in early January.

This Tuesday I am due to have my regular infusion followed immediately by an infusion of a drug for osteoporosis (I have somehow managed to fracture a vertebrae). Abatacept takes about an hour but don't know how long the other one will be - think I had better take a packed lunch!

I hope your experience of this drug is as uncomplicated as mine.

Thelma

[Hidden in reply to thelmar]

Thanks so much Thelma. I'm praying my journey is uncomplicated as well. Thanks so much for your response. Be well!