What is Orencia ?

Orencia (abatacept) is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. It operates by selectively modulating a co-stimulation pathway required for T-cell activation, which plays a key role in the inflammation and immune response associated with these conditions. Orencia can be administered via intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection and is often prescribed when other treatments have not proven effective.

• Warm, red, or painful skin
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, tiredness, and body aches

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have cancer, diabetes, lung or breathing problems (including COPD), any infection (including the flu, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus), hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB), or are scheduled to have surgery.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious infections, including pneumonia, sepsisIncreased risk of cancer, including skin cancer
• You will need a skin test for TB before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive reaction to a TB skin test.
• This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.