Orencia - the Rheumatoid Arthritis Medicine

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a crippling disease, which attacks the body at the joints using the body's own immune system. This can lead to chronic pain, loss of joint dysfunction, and loss of quality of life. Orencia (generic name is abatacept) is a T-cell co-stimulation modulator that has recently been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by the FDA. It is given intravenously (through an IV line in the arm) with the dosage based on weight. Patients usually go into a special clinic on a set basis to have this done.

How does it help?

Orencia is a medicine that is designed to suppress an overactive immune system. It keeps the system from attacking healthy tissue in the body, mainly in the joints. Orencia helps to regulate the body into normal function again, which stops the attack of healthy tissue.

In clinical trials, Orencia reduced the signs, symptoms, and long-term damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis in patients who were not helped adequately by disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or anti-TNF therapy.

How is it taken?

Orencia is an intravenous drug that is infused into the vein with a needle. Your doctor will set up a dosage and schedule specific to you using your weight, disease symptoms, and how you react to the drug.

Orencia is used on its own or in conjunction with other anti-rheumatoid agents. It should not be used at the same time with anti-TNF agents such as Enbrel, Remicaid, or Humira. It can be used in conjunction with nonbiologic DMARDs such as ibuprofen.

What are the risks?

Because Orencia is essentially an immunosuppressant (it stifles the immune system), this can increase the risks of infection from bacteria and viruses. It is important to tell your doctor as soon as you think you may be getting sick if you are on this medication.

In trials the following side effects were reported: Headache, upper respiratory infection, nausea, malignant cancer, and serious infection.

Alternative treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis alternative treatments are gaining popularity as even when on a multitude of expensive drugs, some people still are not adequately controlled and have severe quality of life impairments. Alternative treatment options are at times used exclusively (without conventional medicine treatment) or in conjunction with conventional treatment. Alternative therapies include acupuncture, wearing copper jewelry, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, and eliminating certain foods from the diet. While alternative therapies are being explored, new drugs are coming out all the time. Treating rheumatoid arthritis is a difficult process that requires trying different medications and lifestyle changes until an improvement is seen.