Orencia: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price, Composition & 20 FAQs

Orencia is a medication form biological source which helps in the treatment of joint disorders. (Disorders of the skeletal system.) It can help in the prevention of the degradation of the joint. Orencia is the brand name of the generic drug abatacept. It can help in treating RA.

Orencia Composition – abatacept
Manufactured By – BMS India Pvt ltd
Prescription – not Available as OTC, it requires a prescription.
Form –  prefilled injection syringe and powder for injection.
Price – $1000
Expiry/Shelf Life – 17 weeks
Type of Drug –antirheumatic medication.

The uses of Orencia are given as follows :

• it can be used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of disorder characterized by symptoms of the immune system attacking healthy body cells. The result can be the formation of very painful joints, weak immunity.
• It can be used in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• it can be used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis

• It inhibits t- lymphocyte activation in the body.
• In IV form also it can decrease t-cell production in the body.
• It can decrease anti-collagen antibody production in the body.
• Orencia can block the effect of chemical messengers. Therefore as a result swelling, redness, joint pain is reduced.

• You will be provided with Orencia in the clinic as an IV injection by your Healthcare professional.
• The syringe form should be used in percutaneous mode or under the skin once a week. Keep it in the refrigerator.
• Remove from the freezing temperature before using. Leave in room temperature at least for some time before injecting.
• Use daily in case the doctor instructed you to do so. Keep track and consult your doctor for further assistance.

your doctor will decide the dosage based on the following conditions. These are-

• age
• health condition
• pre-existing history of medical disorders if any
• pregnancy, breastfeeding

Adult: adults are generally provided with the infusion or injection form of Orencia.

• For less than 60 kg of weight, the dosage is 500 mg.
• For 60 to 100 kg of weight, the dosage is 750 MG,
• if the weight of the patient is more than a hundred kg then the dose should be 1000mg

children: for children between 6 to 17 years of age with weight less than 75 kg the dosage will be 10 MG per KG initial infusion and the doctor will adjust thereafter.

Q. What happens if I overdose on Orencia?

Ans. An overdose of Orencia can cause serious immunosuppression. However, such a case should not happen because it is generally be provided by the Healthcare professional himself. In case of a reported overdose, get help as soon as possible.

Q. What happens if I miss a dose of Orencia?

Ans. If you miss a dose of Orencia make sure that you call your doctor and schedule another appointment as soon as possible. Do not take double doses to make up for the missed dose.

Q. What happens if I eat expired Orencia?

Ans. A single dose of medication is unlikely to cause serious adverse effects. However since this medication is available as an injection, it should not be taken when expired. The results of such cases cannot usually be predicted and therefore can turn serious real quick.

Q. What is the onset time of Orencia?

 Ans. Orencia is generally used for long term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other joint- bone disorders. However it takes 6 to 12 weeks to show at least some result after administration.

Q. Till When Does the Effect of Orencia Stay?

Ans. The Definite amount of time for which the effect of orencia lasts is not particularly known. Consult with your doctor before using.

It is better to avoid the use of Orencia in the following cases :

• do not use this medication if you have a weak immunity system.
• If you have a case of hypersensitivity to one of the main components of Orencia, do not take it.
• Do not take this medication if you have chronic recurrent infections.
• If you have the chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
• Exercise caution in geriatric patients.
• If the risk of malignancy is present, do not take this medication.

• inform the doctor in case you have any allergy.
• Inform the doctor of your complete medical history and history of any pre-existing disorder.
• Take caution, avoid contagious disorders and contact with such environment.
• Do not take any immunization within 3 months before or after the treatment.
• For pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advised that it is better not to use this drug during pregnancy.

Warnings When Taking Orencia

• this medication is not for the use of children below 2 years of age.
• This medication is not a definitive cure, it is only used to Slow Down The progressive symptoms.
• Do not use in patients with immunosuppressive disorders.

The side effects of Orencia are given as follows:

• headache(Common)
• dizziness(Less Common)
• BP disorders(Less Common)
• bumps and rashes on skin or skin disorders(Less Common)
• infections in the upper respiratory tract, nausea and vomiting(Common)
• shortness of breath and tightening of the chest( Less Common)
• wheezing(Less Common)
• depression of the immune system(Common)

the most serious Side Effects reported are cancer and infections. These situations can generally become life threatening. However, the occurrence of such cases is rare.

Are There Any Reported Allergic Reactions to Orencia?

There are cases of reported allergic reactions to the use of orencia. These are characterized by symptoms like skin disorders of the face and throat, swollen tongue, respiratory trouble.

What are the effects of Orencia on organs?

The body’s immunity may be compromised to a certain level. Therefore it becomes easier for the patient to catch an infection which can also be long lasting.

One needs to be careful of certain drug interactions when consuming Orencia. These may span from certain food items to other medicines to some tests which should not be taken right after consuming Orencia. We explore these in detail below.

1. Food Interactions with Orencia 

Avoid street food and chances of contamination at all costs. Orencia is proteinaceous in nature

2. Medicines Interactions with Orencia 

These are the drugs that orencia can react with.

• Orencia can react with tnf antagonist and cause serious immunity suppression. Example of these drugs are enbrel, Humira, remicade
• it should not be used with live vaccines. It decreases the effect of live vaccines. Do not take within 3 months before or after the treatment.

3. Effects of Orencia on Lab Tests 

Orencia is capable of interacting with the following lab tests. these are:

• the TB skin test for tuberculosis
• hepatitis B virus test

4. Orencia’s interactions with Pre-existing Conditions/Diseases

Orencia can react with the following disorders or diseases. Use caution in the following cases:

• if you have a suppressed immunity.
• In case of hypersensitivity to any of the known components.
• If you have chronic recurrent infections.
• If you have the chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
• Use in geriatric patients with caution.
• Avoid this medication if you suffer from malignancy.

Q. Can I have Orencia with alcohol?

Ans. The interactions of this medicine with alcohol is not known. There are no reported cases of contradictions.

Q. Any particular food item to be avoided?

Ans. Avoid street food. Avoid chances of contamination.

Q. Can I have Orencia when pregnant?

Ans. The safety of using orencia in pregnant or breastfeeding ladies has not been established as of yet.

Q. Can I have Orencia when feeding a baby?

Ans. The safety of using orencia in pregnant or breastfeeding ladies has not been established as of yet.

Q. Can I drive after taking Orencia?

Ans. You may feel a little bit weak after administration of this medicine. Therefore it is better not to go on a long drive.

Buy & Get Minimum 30% Discount: Myra Medicines Promo Code | 1mg Promo Code

the substitute for Orencia can be listed down as follows :

• Actemra (tocilizumab)
  • Manufactured by – Roche Products India Pvt Ltd
  • Price – Rs. 8112
• Rituxan (rituximab)
  • Manufactured by – Genentech and Biogen Idec
  • Price – Rs. Rs 29700

Storage requirements for Orencia

• Orencia lyophilized powder must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• Do not use beyond the expiration date.
• Protect the vials from light by storing in the original package until time of use.
• Keep away from the reach of children and pets. Dispose of responsibly.

Q. What is Orencia?

Ans. Orencia is a medication form biological source which helps in the treatment of joint disorders. (Disorders of the skeletal system.) It can help in the prevention of for the degradation of the joint. Orencia is the brand name of the generic drug abatacept. It can help in treating RA.

Q. What are the uses of Orencia?

Ans. The uses of Orencia are given as follows :

• It can be used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of disorder characterized by symptoms of the immune system attacking healthy body cells. The result can be the formation of very painful joints, weak immunity.
• It can be used in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• it can be used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis

Q. What are the side effects of Orencia?

Ans.  The side effects of Orencia are given as follows: they can range from severe to moderate to common. They can also be rare.

The common side effects include :

• headache,
• infections in the upper respiratory tract, nausea, and vomiting,
• depression of the immune system
• the moderate side effects can include:
• dizziness,
• BP disorders,
• bumps and rashes on skin or skin disorders,
• shortness of breath and tightening of the chest
• wheezing

the most serious Side Effects reported are cancer and infections. These situations can generally become life-threatening. However, the occurrence of such cases is rare.

Q. How effective is Orencia?

Ans. It is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. It is only used to Slow Down The progression and symptoms.

Q. How long does it take for Orencia to show results?

Ans. Orencia is generally given for long-term therapy. The time required to show effectiveness is not generally known.

Q. Should Orencia be taken on an empty stomach?

Ans. Can be given with or without food. Generally, it is provided at your clinic and the doctor advises you to take food before the administration of the injection.

Q. Does Orencia make you drowsy?

Ans. It can cause temporary dizziness just after administration. However, it can go away soon.

Q. What should be the time gap between the intake of 2 Orencia tablets?

Ans. There should be a definite time gap between two doses of medication. Your doctor will provide you with the dozing timetable in accordance to your health and age and weight.

Q. Should I complete the whole cycle of the medicine even if cured?

Ans. Do not stop this medication abruptly. Consult your doctor if you want to discontinue.

Q. Does Orencia effect my menstrual cycle?

Ans. There are no reported effects for Orencia affecting the menstrual cycle in women.

Q. Is Orencia safe for children?

Ans. This medicine is considered safe to be children. The age should be above 2 years to receive this medication.

Q. Are there any symptoms that I should consider before taking Orencia?

Ans. Symptoms to consider before taking this medication are :

serious infections turning bad, signs of respiratory troubles, extreme fatigue and weakness, skin rashes and other skin disorders.

Q. Is Orencia legal in India?

Ans. Yes. This medication should be used at the discretion of a doctor.

 Disclaimer – The information provided above is to the best of our research and knowledge. However, you are recommended to consult a physician before consuming the drug.