Abatacept 

Orencia

Orencia is an FDA-approved medication that is used to treat various medical conditions. It prevents moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults, psoriatic arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children and adults, and acute graft versus host disease in patients having hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Unlike some drugs, Orencia can be taken alone or together with other drugs to manage the symptoms of your condition effectively. This medication is only available with a doctor’s prescription, so people should avoid sharing Orencia with others even if they share the same condition. Doing so can result in potential side effects, which can cause life-threatening situations.

Orencia Overview

Orencia (Abatacept) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to prevent medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It also treats acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The main ingredient, Abatacept, is a selective T-cell co-stimulation modulator that helps regulate the immune system to prevent it from attacking transplanted cells.

Orencia is available as an intravenous (IV) infusion and subcutaneous injection. The dosage for adults and children may vary according to their body weight. Orencia contains Abatacept, an active ingredient in a biologic drug made from living cells rather than chemicals. This medication works by blocking T-cell activation in the immune system. This blockage of T-cells reduces joint inflammation, pain, and damage in certain types of arthritis and prevents acute graft-versus-host disease. However, it is not a cure for autoimmune disorders; it only helps manage the symptoms of your condition.

There are also some side effects of Orencia, which include headache, nausea, and infections. Patients should inform their medical practitioner of any side effects and take precautions such as avoiding infections. In case of a missed dose, consult your doctor immediately. Do not double up on doses. If an overdose is suspected, get medical attention right away. Store Orencia in the refrigerator, away from light, and do not freeze. Ensure it is kept out of reach of children.

What Are the Uses of Orencia?

Orencia is used for the following purposes:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This medication is used in adults who have moderate to severe active RA. Orancia can be taken as a single medicine or in combination with other RA drugs.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): This prescription drug also treats psoriatic arthritis in adults, and it can be used alone or in combination with other similar medications.
• Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA): Orencia is indicated to treat this condition in children two years of age and older with moderate to severe active pJIA. This medication can be taken alone or in combination with methotrexate.
• Prevention of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): Orencia is indicated for use in adults & children two years of age and older with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. For such conditions, this medication should be taken with methotrexate and calcineurin inhibitor. 

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Orencia?

Orencia comes in two forms with the following strengths:

• Lyophilized Powder for Intravenous Infusion: Orencia powder form is used to make a solution. A medical professional then infused this solution into the veins. This form comes in a strength of 250 mg.
• Solution for Subcutaneous Injection: This liquid form of Orencia medication is injected under the skin and has a 125 mg/mL strength.

What Are the Recommended Dosage of Orencia?

The dosage recommendations for Orencia will be based on various factors, including the type and severity of your medical condition, body weight, and the form of Orencia you take. Generally, the starting dose of this medication is low, and your doctor will gradually adjust your dose over time if needed. It is important to note that these dosage recommendations are only the average dose. So, if you have been prescribed a different dose, do not change it without consulting your medical practitioner.  

Dosage for Rheumatoid Arthritis

IV Infusion:

• If you weigh below 60 kg, your dosage will be 500 mg.
• If your body weight is between 60 to 100 kg, your dosage will be 750 mg.
• If your body weight is more than 100 kg, it is 1000 mg.
• IV infusion lasts for 30 minutes. So, after your first dose, your doctor will give two more doses every two weeks. Later, it will be adjusted to every four weeks.

Subcutaneous Injection:

• The usual dose of Orencia injection is 125 mg once a week. 
• You might or might not receive your first subcutaneous injection following an IV infusion of Orencia.
• If you have administered the dose through an IV infusion, you will be given your first subcutaneous injection after the IV therapy.

Dosage for Psoriatic Arthritis

IV Infusion: 

• If you weigh below 60 kg, your dosage will be 500 mg.
• If your body weight is between 60 to 100 kg, your dosage will be 750 mg.
• If your body weight is more than 100 kg, it is 1000 mg.
• IV infusion lasts for 30 minutes. So, after your first dose, your doctor will give two more doses every two weeks. Later, it will be adjusted to every four weeks.

Subcutaneous Injection:

• You will be given 125 mg of subcutaneous injection once every week.

Dosage for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

IV Infusion:

• If the body weight is below 75 kg, the dosage will be 10mg per kg.
• If the body weight is between 75 to 100 kg, the dosage will be 750 mg.
• If the body weight is more than 100 kg, it is 1000 mg.
• After the first dose, your doctor will give two more doses of Orencia every two weeks. Later, it will be adjusted to every four weeks.
• It is important to note that Orencia’s IV therapy is not recommended for children below 6 years of age.

Subcutaneous Injection:

• If the body weight is 10 kg to below 25 kg, the dosage will be 50mg.
• If the body weight is 25 to less than 50 kg, the dosage will be 87.5 mg.
• If the body weight is 50 kg or more than that, the dosage will be 125 mg.

Dosage for Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prevention

IV Infusion:

• The dosage will be 10 mg per kg of body weight for adults and children 6 years and older.
• The dosage will be 15 mg per kg of body weight for children ages 2 to under 6 years, followed by 12 mg per kg on days 5, 14 & 28 of treatment.
• The medication will be administered a day before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with subsequent doses on days 5, 14, and 28 post-transplant.
• Orencia is used in conjunction with methotrexate and a calcineurin inhibitor, which will be prescribed before your treatment with Orencia and continue after the transplant.  

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Use Orencia?

Orencia is given in the form of intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection. If you are taking this medication via a subcutaneous injection, you can administer it yourself. On the other hand, if you are taking an IV therapy, it will be administered by a healthcare professional. Below are some general administration steps of Orencia:

If it is an IV infusion

• This injection is administered into a vein by a medical expert, for which you must make an appointment.
• Once you are at a clinic, staff will take you to a room.
• Then, a medical professional inserts a needle into the vein and connects it to a bag. This bag is filled with a liquid containing Orencia.  
• The solution will move from the bag via the needle to your vein during the infusion.
• Once you have received the complete dose, the needle will be removed, and your doctor will monitor you for some time. This step is crucial to ensure you don’t experience any side effects.

If it is a subcutaneous injection

• This injection is administered under the skin. For the first dose, you will need a medical expert. Once they explain the injection process and practically show the administration steps, you can do it yourself.  
• You can inject Orencia with the help of two devices: a prefilled syringe or a prefilled ClickJect autoinjector. 
• Each injection contains a specific amount of Orencia, so you don’t have to measure out your doses. 
• Take your prefilled injection or autoinjector filled with a prescribed dosage and self-administer it on either your belly, thighs, or outer part of your upper arm.
• If you are injecting in your belly, make sure to inject it 2 inches away from the belly button.
• Before self-administration, clean the area and take preventive measures as your doctor instructed.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Orencia Work?

Orencia (abatacept) treats autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis by blocking T-cell activation. This reduces immune system attacks on the body’s tissues, decreasing inflammation and symptoms. By targeting T-cells, Orencia helps manage autoimmune conditions and improves patients’ quality of life.

Important Safety Information for Using Orencia

What Are the Side Effects of Orencia?

Orencia can cause various side effects, ranging from common to serious ones. These common effects are usually temporary and last from a few days to weeks. However, if these side effects persist for a long time or become intense over time, you should seek medical assistance. Common side effects of Orencia may include: 

• Common cold
• Sinus infection
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sore throat 
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Low red blood count 
• Nose bleed
• Pneumonia
• Reduced CD4 lymphocytes
• High levels of magnesium in the blood
• Kidney issues
• CMV infection
• High blood pressure

Besides common, Orencia can lead to certain serious side effects, which can be fatal. If you are experiencing any serious side effects during your treatment with this medication, talk to your healthcare practitioner. Serious side effects of Orencia may include:

• Severe infections. Its symptoms may include:
  • Fever 
  • Tiredness
  • Cough
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Warm, red, or painful areas on the skin
• Serious allergic reactions. Signs may include:
  • Skin rash
  • Itchiness
  • Flushing
  • Swelling on the eyelids, hands, feet, or lips
  • Swelling on tongue, throat, or mouth
  • Difficulty breathing
• Cancer. Its symptoms may include:
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising 
  • Neurological changes
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Swelling
  • Lumps
  • Sudden weight gain or loss
• Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus
• Hepatitis B infection

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Are There Any Warnings for Orencia?

• Orencia may increase the chances of serious infections in certain people. You are more likely to develop infections if you have a history of recurrent infections or underlying conditions that expose you to infections. Moreover, avoid using TNF antagonists with Orencia as they increase the chances of infection.
• Before you start your treatment with Orencia, make sure that you don’t have infections like viral hepatitis and latent TB. Talk to a medical professional; they will check you for these infections. In case you test positive, your doctor will start you for TB treatment. 
• If you are about to take certain vaccines or your child has some vaccinations left, take them before using Orencia, as this medication may reduce the effectiveness of some immunizations. Additionally, do not take live vaccines along with your medication or within three months of discontinuation.
• Patients with conditions such as COPD, known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, may have a higher risk of breathing problems. There is also a risk of reactivating cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in patients treated to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD).
• Orencia may raise the risk of developing cancer, especially skin cancer. If you have a history of skin cancer, take frequent tests during your treatment with Orencia.

What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Orencia?

Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings the FDA provides for particular drugs. These warnings detail the medication’s harmful effects, which can be life-threatening. They alert doctors and patients about the drug’s potential side effects. Orencia has not received any such warnings from the FDA. Therefore, this medication is safe for use as long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and take precautions.

What Are the Orencia Precautions?

• When starting your treatment with Orencia, you must follow certain preventive measures. Doing so will prevent you from any serious complications in the future. Here are some precautions you need to be mindful of while taking Orencia:
• Before you use Abatacept, tell your healthcare professional if you have any allergies or are allergic to any of the medication’s ingredients. The product may contain certain inactive components that can cause severe allergic reactions.
• If you are considering using Orencia, inform your medical provider about your or your family’s medical history, especially of:
  • COPD
  • Cancer
  • Tuberculosis, or hepatitis
  • HIV infection
  • Bone marrow disorder
  • Diabetes
• If you are undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, inform your surgeon or medical professional about the product you use. This includes all prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products.
• Patients with certain infections should exercise caution when taking this medication, as it can exacerbate their infection or increase their risk of developing one. They should also keep a distance from people who have contagious infections like chickenpox, flu, or measles. If they have been in contact with such patients, tell their doctor right away.
• Some Abatacept products contain maltose, which can cause false high blood sugar readings. If you have diabetes, ask your pharmacist if your product contains maltose and if your blood sugar testing supplies will work with it. In rare cases, serious problems occurred when too much insulin was given due to false high readings or when low blood sugar wasn’t treated properly.
• During pregnancy, women are advised not to take this medication unless it is clearly needed. The product may cause harm to the unborn baby; therefore, pregnant women or those who are planning to have a baby should discuss every risk and benefit with their medical provider.
• It is still unknown whether this medication passes into the breast milk. So, talk to your medical practitioner before making any decision.

What If You Missed a Dose of Orencia?

Your action regarding a missed dose depends on the form of Orencia you take. If it is:

• IV Infusion: If you missed a dose or forgot about your appointment, call your medical practitioner as soon as possible or whenever you remember. They will book a new appointment and give a new dose of Orencia IV infusion.
• Subcutaneous Injection: If you have missed a dose of your self-administered injection, you should immediately call your medical professional. They will create a new dosage schedule for you accordingly. Do not try to administer the injection anytime to make up for the missed dose.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much of Orencia?

Doses up to 50 mg per kg have been given through IV without noticeable harmful effects. If an overdose happens, the patient should be watched for any signs of adverse reactions and treated accordingly.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How to Store an Orencia?

• If you are using a subcutaneous injection, store it in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F/2°C and 8°C. 
• Keep the injection in its original package or the container in which it is stored.
• Do not refrigerate the medication.
• You can keep the prefilled syringe or autoinjector out of the refrigerator for a limited time, i.e., 6 hours (without light protection). However, your temperature should remain between 46°F and 77°F or 8°C and 25°C.
• Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
• Protect the vial from light, as it can result in degradation.
• Avoid keeping them in damp/moist areas like the bathroom or near the sink.
• Throw the product once it has reached the expiration date. Many people doubt the expiration date as some products only mention the month and year. So, if your product expires in September 2025, you can use it till 31st September 2025.
• Keep your syringe and auto injection placed in a locked container somewhere safe, out of your children’s reach and sight.
• When discarding a product, ensure you throw it correctly, as minor negligence may cause fatal situations.
• Ask a medical practitioner or an experienced pharmacist how to dispose of the product properly without harming the environment.
• The best way to eliminate unwanted medications is to give them in the medicine take-back program.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

What Medications Interact with Orencia?

Drug interactions happen when two or more medications interact with each other. These interactions can happen in two ways. It can either change how the medication works by affecting its ingredients or increase the risks of adverse side effects. Therefore, patients need to be aware of the drugs they take to avoid any complications in the near future. The below drug list does not contain all possible Abatacept drug interactions, but here are some of them:

• Abrocitinib
• Adalimumab
• Allogeneic processed thymus tissue
• Baricitinib
• Bcg vaccine
• Certolizumab
• Chikungunya vaccine, live (cvx 317)
• Cholera vaccine, live
• Cladribine
• Dengue vaccine
• Deucravacitinib
• Etanercept
• Etrasimod
• Fingolimod
• Golimumab
• Infliximab
• Influenza virus vaccine, h1n1, live
• Influenza virus vaccine, live
• Leflunomide
• Measles virus vaccine
• Mumps virus vaccine
• Nadofaragene firadenovec
• Natalizumab
• Ozanimod
• Poliovirus vaccine, live, trivalent
• Ponesimod
• Ritlecitinib
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Rubella virus vaccine
• Sarilumab
• Satralizumab
• Siponimod
• smallpox vaccine
• Talimogene laherparepvec
• Teriflunomide
• Tocilizumab
• Tofacitinib
• Typhoid vaccine, live
• Ublituximab
• Upadacitinib
• Varicella virus vaccine
• Voclosporin
• Yellow fever vaccine
• Zoster vaccine live

What Are the Other Orencia Interactions?

Besides the above-mentioned drug interactions, Abatacept has some disease interactions:

• COPD
• Diabetes
• Hepatitis B
• Infections
• Tuberculosis

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Orencia. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

What Are the Orencia Alternatives?

People usually take alternative medications when either the prescribed drugs do not suit their medical conditions or when they are not achieving the results they are aiming for. That’s why patients should consult with a medical professional before starting their treatment with any medication. These experts will help you determine the most suitable drug for your medical needs. Some of the alternatives to Orencia (Abatacept) are:

For Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Methotrexate
• Sulfasalazine
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Adalimumab
• Tofacitinib
• Leflunomide

For Psoriatic Arthritis

• Cyclosporine
• Apremilast
• Certolizumab pegol 
• Golimumab
• Secukinumab
• Ixekizumab

For Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

• Etanercept
• Infliximab
• Tocilizumab

For Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prevention

• Corticosteroids
• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Orencia Cost & Coupons

It is important to note that Orencia’s costs are not the same everywhere. The actual cost of this medication is based on different factors, including the insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Orencia can be a bit expensive for certain individuals. Here, insurance coverage plays an important role. With an insurance coverage plan, you can buy your medication at a discounted price. However, not all drugs or medications are covered under the insurance plan. To manage these costs, you can buy from reputed and licensed pharmacies like Polar Bear Meds, where you can buy Orencia online from Canada at affordable prices. Moreover, first-time buyers can use the Orencia coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Orencia cause hair loss? 

Orencia is not commonly associated with hair loss. However, individual reactions to medications can vary significantly. If you experience unusual hair loss while taking Orencia, it is important to discuss this with your medical practitioner to determine the cause, explore possible solutions, and rule out any other underlying conditions that might be contributing to the issue. 

Is Orencia an expensive medication?

Yes, Orencia can be quite expensive. The cost depends on factors like dosage, insurance coverage, and pharmacy pricing. Patients should discuss with their insurance provider for coverage details and explore manufacturer discounts to help manage the cost. The reason behind its expensive cost is that Orencia is available only as a brand-name biologic drug. This medication does not come in a biosimilar version. Therefore, to manage these costs, you can also compare prices at different pharmacies to find an ideal.

For how long do I have to use Orencia?

The duration of Orencia treatment varies based on individual response and medical condition. Your medical provider will determine the length of treatment. It’s crucial to follow their recommendations & attend regular check-ups to assess the medication’s effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. Generally, Orencia should be used for about one month, especially for graft-versus-host disease prevention. 

Which is the best time to take Orencia injections?

A healthcare professional typically administers Orencia injections. Your doctor will determine the specific timing of the injections based on your treatment schedule. If you are using a self-injection form, follow your doctor’s instructions on when and how to administer the medication properly. Ensuring proper timing and technique is essential for the medication’s effectiveness. So, do not change the dosage or timing without asking your doctor.

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