Orencia

mobier

New Member

Joined : Feb 2010

Posts : 5

Posted 2/21/2010 12:00 AM (GMT 0)

It was suggested that I post my question on this forum even though I have RA since you all may have more experience with this medication. My doc wants me to start orencia for my rheumatoid arthritis. The infusion nurse told me that it will "kill my immune system". Now I am afraid to start on it. Does anyone have any long-term experience?

Thanks

beeswax

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2009

Posts : 545

Posted 2/21/2010 2:30 AM (GMT 0)

I have never heard of this being used for UC. I have seen commercials on TV for Orencia and it is always for RA. Though I would suspect it might be similar to Remicade and/or Humira which are use for both RA and UC/Crohns, I think. Have you tried googling it to seen what others say?

Paul L

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 647

Posted 2/21/2010 6:18 AM (GMT 0)

Orencia is a brand name for Abatacept. It is not yet an approved treatment for UC in Canada or the USA but I was in a phase 3 clinical trial for it a few years ago. It did not help my UC at all and I did not experience any side effects from it. I ended up having my colon taken out shortly after the trial.

Orencia is a biologic that acts on T cells. It will not kill your immune system. Your immune system is very complex and T cells are only a small part of it.

mobier

New Member

Joined : Feb 2010

Posts : 5

Posted 3/3/2010 3:17 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for your response. In the other forum too, someone said the nurse was oversimplifying when she said it would "kill my immune system." I'm going to give it a try, since I know I don't want to stay on the prednisone.

Dr-A

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2006

Posts : 2105

Posted 3/3/2010 3:21 PM (GMT 0)

From listening in on the to conversations during my infusion, the orencia seems to lose its affect alot quicker than the remi does? I get my infusions at a rheumatoligists office, so there are usually RA patients all around me.

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