Orencia (Abatacept)

What is Orencia?

Orencia is a synthetic (man-made) protein produced by recombinant DNA technology that is used for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Orencia is usually given after other arthritis medications have been tried without successful relief of symptoms but it can also be given concomitantly with other arthritis medications.

The Benefits of Orencia:

Our immune system is responsible for protecting us against foreign invaders, for example, viruses, bacteria and fungi. In patients with RA, however, the immune system attacks and destroys normal tissue in and around the joints, causing pain, inflammation and damage to bone and cartilage. Patients with RA have an increased number of T-lymphocytes (T-cells) within the joints that are inflamed. These T-cells become activated and release chemicals that promote the destruction of tissues surrounding the joints and cause the signs and symptoms of RA.

Orencia acts like an antibody and attaches to a protein on the surface of T-lymphocytes and block both the production of new T-lymphocytes and the production of the chemicals that destroy tissue and cause the symptoms of arthritis. Orencia then slows the damage to bone and cartilage relieving the pain and swelling. This drug was approved by the FDA in December, 2005.

What You Need to Know Before Taking Orencia:

Before receiving Orencia, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription medications for RA, as well as hormones, over-the-counter medication, vitamins, supplements or herbal products. Inform your physician if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB) or viral hepatitis. You may be asked to have a TB skin test or other blood work to examine you for hepatitis prior to starting Orencia.

Orencia Side Effects:

The most common side effects include: headache, upper respiratory tract infections and nausea. Therefore, existing infections may worsen or new ones may develop. Infections are the most serious side effects including pneumonia which can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Infusion related adverse reactions such as dizziness, hypotension or hypertension, wheezing, rash or hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/eyelids and shortness of breath must be monitored. Discuss your questions about side effects or possible allergic reactions with your physician and your infusion nurse.

Dosing and Length of Infusion:

Orencia is given as an intravenous infused over 30 minutes or as specified by your physician. The initial dose is followed by additional doses 2 and 4 weeks after the first infusion. Maintenance doses are then every 4 weeks. Patients weighing < 60 kg should receive a 500 mg dose, weighing 60 to 100 kg a 750 mg dose and weighing > 100 kg a 1000 mg dose.