Orencia (Abatacept)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Orencia Used For?
Orencia contains abatacept and is used to treat several types of arthritis by controlling your immune system’s attack on healthy joint tissues.
Primary Uses
Orencia treats moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults, severe active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis in adults, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 6 years and older who haven’t responded well to other treatments.
How It Works
Orencia works by preventing your immune system from attacking healthy tissues in your body. In arthritis, your immune system mistakenly attacks normal joint tissues, causing pain, swelling, and damage. Orencia interferes with this process, reducing pain, inflammation, and joint damage while improving your ability to perform daily activities.
Infection Risk: Orencia reduces your body’s ability to fight infections, making you more prone to getting infections or making existing infections worse.
How to Take Orencia
Orencia comes in two forms: a powder for intravenous infusion that must be given by a healthcare professional, and a solution for injection under the skin that can be self-administered after proper training.
Dosage Instructions
For intravenous infusion: Given as a slow infusion over 30 minutes by a doctor or nurse. Dose depends on your weight. For subcutaneous injection: 125mg per week regardless of weight, injected under the skin. Take the injection out of the fridge 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature. Use a different injection site each time, about 1 inch (2.5cm) from the previous site. Each syringe or autoinjector is for single use only.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance. Use a diary to help remember your injection days.
Important: Never inject more than the recommended dose. The first subcutaneous injection should be done under medical supervision.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Upper respiratory infections (nose, throat, sinus infections)
- Lower respiratory tract infections like bronchitis
- Urinary tract infections
- Herpes (cold sores)
- Headache, dizziness
- Increased blood pressure
- Cough
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, nausea, indigestion
- Rash, dermatitis
- Fatigue, weakness
- Local injection site reactions (subcutaneous injection)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Serious infections including tuberculosis and pneumonia
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, swelling, rash, hives)
- Infusion-related reactions (dizziness, headache, blood pressure changes)
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (rare brain infection)
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Orencia should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Orencia
Do not use Orencia if you are allergic to abatacept or any ingredients, or if you have a severe infection. You should be screened for certain infections before starting treatment.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any infections, history of recurring infections, tuberculosis or recent contact with someone who has tuberculosis, hepatitis B virus, weakness or visual changes, chronic lung disease (COPD), multiple sclerosis, scheduled surgery, recent vaccinations or planned vaccinations, or diabetes requiring blood glucose monitoring.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The effects of Orencia in pregnant women are not known. If you receive Orencia while pregnant, inform your baby’s doctor before any vaccinations as your baby may be at risk of severe infection from live vaccines for 5 months after your last dose. The effects in nursing babies are also unknown. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
Cancer Risk: There have been rare reports of some types of cancer, including skin cancer, in patients using Orencia. Regular skin examinations are recommended.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Orencia and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Blood glucose monitoring: Orencia contains maltose which can give falsely high blood glucose readings with certain monitors. Your doctor may recommend a different monitoring method.
- Biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab)
- Live vaccines
- Other medicines that suppress the immune system
Alcohol & Driving
Orencia may cause dizziness or tiredness that can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information, but consult your doctor about alcohol use while taking Orencia.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Orencia affects you. If you experience dizziness or tiredness, do not drive or operate machinery. If you feel light-headed when getting up, rise slowly.
Storage
Store Orencia in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally inject Orencia more frequently than advised, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Orencia to work varies by individual. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments to assess how well the medication is working for your specific condition.
Yes, the subcutaneous injection can be self-administered, but the first dose must be given under medical supervision. You can only self-inject after your doctor or healthcare practitioner is satisfied with your injection technique.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection such as fever, persistent cough, feeling very tired, flu-like symptoms, or warm, red, painful skin. Orencia can make you more prone to infections.
You should not receive live vaccines while taking Orencia. All vaccines should be up-to-date before starting treatment. Discuss your vaccination plans with your doctor before receiving Orencia.
Do not stop taking Orencia or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment duration for your condition.
The effects of Orencia in pregnant women are not known. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits. If you receive Orencia during pregnancy, inform your baby’s doctor before any vaccinations.
Take the pre-filled syringe or autoinjector out of the fridge 30 minutes before injection to warm to room temperature. Do not remove the needle cover until ready to inject. Use a different injection site each time, about 1 inch from the previous site.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.