Abatacept and indigestion

[Sidera]

Hello everyone. I’m after a bit of reassurance if possible! I started taking Abatacept about 8 weeks ago. No effect for 6 weeks then all of a sudden no rheumy pain - fantastic. However around that time I started to have indigestion symptoms which have been getting worse. Being a terrible hypochondriac I am worried I have stomach cancer! Anyone else had indigestion with this drug? It is listed as a common side effect.

[Hessie5]

Hi Sidera - just to reassure I am on this biologic and I have been fine re indigestion I didn’t realise you can suffer with indigestion with it, good to know.

I do take probiotics. Could it be something other? I would call your Rheumy or GP to see what they say. Try not to self diagnose and think the worse scenarios, it just causes more stress.

All the best - let me know how it goes as we share the same meds. 😌 Hessie

[LesBev]

Hi there. I’m on this biologic too and although not had indigestion as a result, I haven’t had total success with it. But it’s the best so far.

I also think you should ask the rheumatology team for advice and try not to stress until you know what’s the cause. We always fear the worst!

Warmest wishes...,

[Sidera in reply to LesBev]

Thanks LesBev. I know - it’s frustrating as the old rheumy is great but my tum is exploding!!

[LesBev in reply to Sidera]

Oh poor you, sounds horrid. A time for chocolate maybe? 😈

[Fra22-57]

Oo eck .well yes I inject this drug and have just had ultra scan on stomach etc as been having problems with stomach.awaiting result

[Sidera in reply to Fra22-57]

Thank you Fra. I hope it works out for you.

[Darkrose58]

Yes unfortunately it is a side effect ☹️ I have been using this drug for 4 months, I was fine for the first 3, then it kicked in, just awful. I can’t see myself staying on it as it’s also not working as good as we hoped 😢

[Sidera in reply to Darkrose58]

Thank you Darkrose. Hope you find the right drug soon.

[Biofreak]

I've been on Abatacept for several months with some good results. Not had indigestion problems but I was already taking omeprazole to protect my stomach because of all the medication I take. I wouldn't jump to conclusions but discuss it with your rheumatology nurse or GP. Hope you find a resolution. Best wishes.

[Barb66]

Hi Sidera I’ve just had my first injection of abatacept/Orencia and wondered how you are doing on it now?

Barbara

[Sidera in reply to Barb66]

Hello Barbara. Still having tummy pain but bit better with Omeprazole. Doing ok with the rheumy pain - not perfect control but maybe 8 out of 10. Good luck with it - many people have no side effects at all and find it very helpful. Remember it takes at least 6 weeks to start working.

[Angels54]

Hi I have been getting terrible indigestion and increased my omperazole 2x a day which has helped a bit , I also have a hiatus hernia which doesn’t help .

[Han1]

Hello Sidera,

I just read your thread on indigestion & Abatacept.

I’m about 12 weeks or so into taking the injections. I’m not feeling any benefits to the RA so far. And I generally just don’t feel very well. Hit by a bus feeling and fatigue and malaise. The latest thing is upset tummy which was cramping and diarrhoea a couple of nights ago but now is just an ache, wind & mild nausea. I’m nearly a week late in taking the injection & wondered if it might be that, I don’t know.

Tbh, I can’t see the woods for the trees. This is the 8th RA drug in 5 years and still no remission 😔 apparently I have Fibromyalgia too, Hashimoto’s and now peri- menopause into the mix too!

I’m not one to complain, but feeling unwell and having mild-ish chronic pain all the time is really getting me down.

Sorry that was more than I meant to say. Just wondering how you got on in the end? Did the indigestion go? Are you still on Abatacept?

Hope you’re feeling better 🤞😊🙏