Abatacept
What is Orencia?
Orencia is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). It reduces inflammation and joint damage by targeting T-cells. This medication is available as an injection or IV infusion and helps manage autoimmune symptoms. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and more. Store this medication properly, in the instructed environment and temperature, to ensure its efficacy is not compromised. Seek medical supervision before you buy Orencia online from Canada regarding interactions and alternatives of this medication.
Product Overview
Orencia (abatacept) is a biologic medication used to treat autoimmune conditions such as moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children aged 2 years and older. It modulates the immune system, specifically targeting and inhibiting T-cell activation to reduce inflammation, pain, and joint damage. Orencia is available as a subcutaneous injection (125 mg/mL) or an intravenous (IV) infusion (250 mg vial), offering flexibility in administration. The recommended dosage of Orencia varies based on the patient’s health condition and age. Common side effects comprised headache, nausea, and injection site reactions. Patients should avoid live vaccines and monitor for signs of infection. Orencia is stored in the refrigerator, with specific temperature and light exposure precautions. Alternatives to Orencia include Humira, Enbrel, and Remicade. If a dose is missed, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. Overdose can lead to serious side effects, requiring immediate medical attention.
What Are the Uses of Orencia?
- Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults.
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults.
- Moderate-to-severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children aged 2 years and older.
- Prevention of short-term graft versus host disease (GVHD) in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor & methotrexate in adults and children of 2 years and older.
What Are the Benefits of Orencia?
- It helps prevent bone and joint damage
- Improves daily physical functioning
- It helps in reducing inflammation
- Available as both an intravenous and subcutaneous injection.
- Offers more targeted immune suppression
What Are the Side Effects of Orencia?
Common Orencia side effects may include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory infections
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- Dizziness
[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
Orencia Dosage
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Orencia?
- Injection: 125 mg/mL prefilled syringe or autoinjector
- Intravenous (IV) Infusion: 250 mg vial for reconstitution
What Are the Recommended Dosages of Orencia?
For Rheumatoid Arthritis (Adults)
- IV Infusion: 500 mg to 1000 mg based on body weight, administered at weeks 0, 2, 4, then every 4 weeks.
- Subcutaneous Injection: 125 mg once weekly.
For Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Children)
- IV Infusion: Based on body weight, administer it at weeks 0, 2, 4, and after every 4 weeks.
For Psoriatic Arthritis (Adults)
- Subcutaneous Injection: 125 mg once weekly.
How to Take Orencia?
Subcutaneous Injection:
- Administer 125 mg once weekly.
- Inject into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
- Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation.
Intravenous (IV) Infusion:
- Administered by a healthcare professional.
- Infuse over 30 minutes.
- Initial doses are at weeks 0, 2, and 4, then every 4 weeks.
Dosage Suggestions:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Do not shake the prefilled syringe or autoinjector.
- Keep the temperature of the injection to be at room temperature before use.
- Dispose of needles and syringes properly.
What to Do When You Miss a Dose?
Missing a dosage of Orencia may not trigger a severe reaction. Nevertheless, it is strictly advised not to miss prescribed doses of your medication. If you do, skip the missed dosage and continue to take your routine doses on time. Avoid doubling up on doses to compensate for the missed one. Contact your medical professional if you are uncertain about what to do after missing a dose.
[Note: Do not simultaneously take two Orencia doses to compensate for a missed dose. This can heighten your risk of experiencing side effects.]
What Happens When You Overdose on Orencia?
An overdose of Orencia is less likely, but once affected, it may lead to potentially serious side effects. If you have over-administered and are experiencing side effects like allergic reactions, infections, or other immune-related complications, then reach out to your doctor right away. In the presence of a medical professional, you can get the necessary care and monitor your dosage accordingly to prevent serious outcomes.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Orencia Work?
Orencia works by stopping the activation of T-cells, which are part of the immune system. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and joint damage. Normally, T-cells get activated when certain proteins on their surface connect with other proteins. Orencia blocks this process by attaching to the proteins CD80 and CD86 on other immune cells, preventing them from activating T-cells. By doing this, Orencia helps reduce the inflammation that causes pain, swelling, and damage to the joints in people with autoimmune diseases.
Important Safety Precautions
- Orencia can affect the immune system negatively and increase the risk of serious infections like pneumonia or sepsis.
- Do not get live vaccines during or within 3 months after treatment.
- Use with caution if you have a history of COPD.
- Inform your doctor if you have tuberculosis or hepatitis, as Orencia may reactivate hepatitis B in carriers.
- It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.
- Report any allergic reactions or severe side effects immediately.
How to Store Orencia?
- It’s advised to store Orencia in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F.
- Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light.
- Do not freeze Orencia; discard if accidentally frozen.
- Avoid exposure to heat or direct sunlight.
- Do not shake the medication, as it may affect its efficacy.
- Orencia can be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 24 hours, but it must be used within this time or discarded.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Check the expiration date before use; do not use it if expired.
What Medications Interact with Orencia?
- TNF antagonists (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab): There is an Increased risk of serious infections.
- Other biologic DMARDs (e.g., rituximab, anakinra): An increased risk of catching severe infections.
- Live vaccines: They should be avoided during an ongoing treatment.
- Blood glucose-lowering drugs: Orencia may increase the risk of hypoglycemia
- Warfarin: Potential increased risk of bleeding
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, corticosteroids): This medication may increase immunosuppression.
- CYP450 substrates: Taking Orencia may affect the metabolism of these drugs.
- Cytokine modulators: Potential for additive immunosuppressive effects
[Note: This list of interactions is not complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]
What Are the Orencia Alternatives?
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Enbrel (etanercept)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Simponi (golimumab)
- Actemra (tocilizumab)
- Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Orencia alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Orencia Cost & Coupons
The cost of Orencia and options for obtaining it at a lower price may differ depending on several factors like health insurance coverage, etc. Many USA residents find that their insurance may not fully cover the costs of medications like Orencia, thus leading to high out-of-pocket expenses. To manage these costs, many Americans turn to Arctic Meds, where they can buy Orencia online from Canada at a reasonable prices while living in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Orencia to start working?
In clinical studies involving people with RA, those receiving IV Orencia, often alongside other RA medications, generally began to feel improvements within 3 to 6 months. However, response times can vary from person to person, so Orencia (abatacept) may work faster or slower for you. If you’re uncertain whether Orencia is helping your symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.
How long does Orencia stay in your body?
After discontinuing Orencia for RA, it can take anywhere from just over a month to nearly 5 months for most of the medication to leave your body. This time frame is based on Orencia’s half-life and can vary depending on individual health conditions. If you have concerns about how long the medication stays in your system, it’s best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Can I use Orencia while breastfeeding?
There is limited information on how Orencia affects breastfeeding. According to a report, only a minimal amount of the medication transfers into breast milk, with no side effects noted in the breastfeeding infant. However, to ensure safety, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking Orencia.
Can I use Orencia if I’m pregnant?
There is limited research on the safety of Orencia during pregnancy. Studies on animals suggest that Orencia does not cause birth defects, but these results may not fully apply to humans. If you are breastfeeding or planning to conceive, it’s necessary to consult the risks and benefits of taking Orencia with your medical expert.
Our Guarantee
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