abatacept

[Emye343]

hello,

I’m about to start abatacept (Orencia) and would like to know if anyone here uses abatacept in a prefilled pen. My gp seems to think it only comes as an infusion or as a prefilled syringe but I’m sure I have seen it referred to on fb as a pen. Could anyone confirm so that I can ask my rheumatologist for it in that form with confidence when I see him next Thursday?! Thanks for any help.

[KittyJ]

hope this helps, infusions also but wouldn’t fit in the photo

Orencia injection options

[Stynk in reply to KittyJ]

Hi! I have been given both pen and syringe by pharmacy. Personally I prefer the syringe.

[Emye343 in reply to Stynk]

Thankyou

[Emye343 in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks!

[davannh]

Hi, I have had both, the pen and the pre.filled syringe. The pen that I was supplied was bulky and I was not too keen on the way it injected. I changed to the pre filled syringe which was much better

[Emye343 in reply to davannh]

Thanks

[Downtime]

I much prefer the syringe. It’s easy and painless. I find the metoject pen can often bruise and bleed.

[Emye343 in reply to Downtime]

Ok, thanks

[Fra22-57]

yes I do and have done for a few years.I only had to use syringe style when they had supply problems but returned to easier method.

[Emye343 in reply to Fra22-57]

Thanks, so you prefer the pen?

[Fra22-57 in reply to Emye343]

Ye certainly.it is so easy to use.with having RA it is easy to hold.I just hold it against a place on my stomach and press top of pen.you don’t even see the needle

[Angels54]

I use Abatacept injected pen which were delivered every month , found this helped me .👍

[Emye343 in reply to Angels54]

Thanks Angels. Glad it helped you.

[Ruffles13]

I have just been told I am going on abaceot biologic orefilled pens. As the Riactemra timoxilulibub stopped working. I have been in a really bad flare now for nearly 3 months. Been on steroids lots if maids. Nothing I take seems. To help. Getting really tired of it all now. Just hope abacept works. Anyone here got any advice for me please

[Emye343 in reply to Ruffles13]

I’m in a similar situation. I hope it helps you.

[Fra22-57 in reply to Ruffles13]

Well it is my 4th biologic and the only one that even started working for me.Fingers crossed it does for you as it makes life more bearable being able to move and not in pain

[Ruffles13 in reply to Fra22-57]

Thankyou. Gives me a bit of hope.

[Ruffles13 in reply to Ruffles13]

How many injections did you do before you started feeling better.

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

Currently yes it is available as pre-filled syringe and can be administered by IV but rarely as this involved more hospital appointments and is time consuming for the patient. It can take a little while to get used to injecting with the syringe but as many on this community will tell you after a while it becomes fairly routine. Your nurse or the homecare company nurse will give you full training on how to self-administer. You can find out more about all RA Medicines in our booklet which is available to download.

nras.org.uk/product/medicin...

[Emye343 in reply to Clare-NRAS]

Hi Clare,

The hospital here is quite keen on the infusion but I had ohs in the summer and my surgeon is wary of biologic medication possibly damaging my new aortic valve, so it seems to me prudent to go for a delivery of a small quantity each time in the hopes of minimizing any possible damage as opposed to four weeks’ worth in an infusion. Do you think that makes sense? Just wondering too whether there is anyone on this site in the same position (bio prosthetic aortic valve taking biologic meds) who could share their experience).

[medway-lady]

I had it and refilled syringe which was easy to use and painless.

[Emye343 in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you.

[wilbertjellyfish]

I think pen vs filled syringe are interchangeable. I'm starting it on Wednesday, will know more then.

[Emye343 in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

I hope it works for you!

[MerielPB]

Yes, it is available as a pen. When it first came out as subcut injection it was only in syringes but I have had it in pens for several years now.

[Emye343 in reply to MerielPB]

Thank you. Do you find it easier than the syringe?

[Intheend]

I am on Abatacept and have it in the pen form. It is quite a chunky pen but very straightforward to use and I have had no problems at all .

[debjw]

Hi, yes I started with the pens a couple of months ago. My hands are very deformed and I find it very easy. No obvious negative effects either. Also Abatacept is working for me already so good luck.