Orencia - 10 Facts Arthritis Patients Should Know

Orencia is a biologic drug approved for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults and the treatment of moderate to severe polyarticular (many joints involved) juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 6 years old and older. Orencia, generic drug name abatacept, is a 30 minute intravenous infusion (IV) given every 4 weeks after the initial setup (first dose, then at 2 weeks and 4 weeks, followed by every 4 weeks).

Orencia is not a TNF blocker, as is Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. Orencia is a T-cell co-stimulation modulator -- it modulates a co-stimulatory signal which is required for full T-cell activation. T-cells play a prominent role in inflammation. Patients with certain conditions should be cautious about using Orencia or possibly not use the medication. Read more in Orencia - 10 Things You Should Know.

Related Resources:

• Orencia for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Is Infection a Serious Side Effect of Biologic Drugs?
• Orencia vs. TNF Antagonists - What's the Difference?
• Do Biologic Drugs Prevent Joint Damage and Deformity?
• Are Some Patients Unsuitable Candidates for Biologic Drugs?

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