How long before biologic Abatacept (Orencia) starting working

[Sunshinesuziesue]

Hi, I am new to this forum and would be grateful if anyone could advise on how long it took biologic Orencia to work. I have been on weekly injections of Orencia now for 6 weeks but not noticing any major improvement with my pain and swelling?

[Neonkittie17]

I am on Abatacept injections. Started in September but have had to stop/resume twice for vaccine boosters. My rheumy says it’s a slow worker, usually 16 weeks. I already had the leftovers of Rtx in my system working to help keep the RA away so I feel that’s still doing a bit of work for me, but also that Abatacept is working now as the recent pause for my vaccine I felt less movement in my joints. I definitely think from what I’ve read and been told by my rheumy that 6 weeks is too soon for a marked improvement for you. Hope Abatacept starts to work soon for you. 🤞🏻

[medway-lady]

I’ve been using for a year and it’s not as good as Etanercept and slow to work but it hasn’t caused the UTI’s that Etanercept did. However it’s given me skin problems so make sure you moisturise well every day. I’m compromising with as no JAC’s for me and hoping that the problems do eventually go away soon.

[Sunshinesuziesue in reply to medway-lady]

That is interesting to hear. I have not tried Etanercept. Good to heard though that it is just not me and it takes a while to work. Thank you

[Fra22-57]

probably a few months.I have been on it since 2018. First biologic that has worked out of 4

[Sunshinesuziesue in reply to Fra22-57]

Thank you fingers crossed will notice some major change soon, eager to get off the steroids

[Rainyda in reply to Sunshinesuziesue]

I wish you well!

[Rainyda]

I'm on Orencia, re R/A, started in Feb.; so much joint aches and pains, I still have them! Rheum says my lab tests show my R/A is under control, and that my osteoarthritis is the problem?? I seen her because of joint pain,and so much swelling in feet and legs, before that I got dry eyes. When I started Orencia, I had to quit my inflammatory (Arthrotec), which always helped in flareups, only allowed to take tylenol daily, and if I have severe flare I can take a Naproxan. Actually I feel worse since on Orencia...maybe it's coinsidental?? I see rheumy a couple weeks ago. She did say Orencia was working, but if I couldn't tolerate taking them...it's up to me if I chose not to. I was on Rinvoq a couple months previously, had sie effects, so had to stop it. Then it was suggested I try Orencia. I'm still not sure about,