Orencia is a drug prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Additionally, it may be given to certain children suffering from prejuvenile arthritis (pJIA).
Orencia can be administered via subcutaneous injection or intravenous (IV) infusion. Both methods may cause side effects, some of which are mild and resolve over time; however, others are serious enough to require medical attention.
1. Infections
Abatacept can weaken your immune system, leading to either worsening of existing infections or the development of new ones.
Clinical studies revealed that 22.7% of patients treated with this drug experienced infections that could have been related to therapy, compared to 20.5% who received placebo; serious infections occurred in 1.5% of those treated with the drug and 1.1% among placebo-treated individuals.
People with a history of tuberculosis (TB) may be at greater risk for experiencing an acute flare-up during or after taking Orencia. Furthermore, those who have hepatitis B virus, which can damage the liver, should also be closely monitored while taking Orencia as this medication could prompt this virus to become active again.
It has been observed that Orencia may interfere with some test strips that read glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinoline quinone (GDH-PQQ). Therefore, using GDH-PQQ based blood glucose monitors should be avoided during or after treatment with Orencia.
2. Cancer
People taking Orencia for acute (sudden) graft-versus-host disease should be aware that certain viruses such as cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus may reactivate. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have a history of these infections.
Your doctor may prescribe drugs to prevent infections if you’re taking Orencia for graft-versus-host disease prevention. They’ll also monitor you closely for symptoms of infection during and after treatment.
Before beginning Orencia therapy, your doctor will want to check for hepatitis B and tuberculosis (TB). These viruses can have adverse effects on the liver or lungs.
3. Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance that usually doesn’t cause problems. These substances, commonly referred to as allergens, include pollen, dust, latex, mold, animal dander or insect stings.
An allergic reaction typically begins within minutes and lasts for hours. The most severe case of these reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening.
An allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to certain proteins. Your body creates antibodies against this allergen, which then travel to cells and release chemicals that lead to symptoms.
4. Infusion Reactions
Some people can experience infusion reactions after receiving Orencia treatment, including dizziness, hives, flushing, fever and headache.
Infusion reactions typically dissipate within a few days after starting Orencia treatment, but they should still be addressed promptly.
Before beginning Orencia treatment, discuss any potential side effects with your doctor. They may want to conduct tests to identify what kind of infection you have and whether Orencia is suitable for you.
Before beginning Orencia treatment, your doctor should check your blood sugar levels. The infusion solution contains a type of sugar which may make readings appear higher than they actually are.
5. Other Side Effects
When taking Orencia by injection, some people may experience mild injection site reactions (e.g., itching). To help avoid these side effects, your doctor may suggest alternate injection techniques to avoid these sites that are more prone to reaction.
Additionally, Orencia treatment can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. That is why it is imperative that any current or past infections be addressed prior to beginning Orencia therapy.
If you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), Orencia could increase the likelihood of experiencing a flare-up of that infection. Your healthcare provider will screen you for TB before beginning Orencia treatment.
