Notice: Images are for illustration only and may not reflect the exact product you receive. Brand-name medications may look different depending on their country of origin—Canadian versions, for example, often include a "PR" symbol on the packaging. Rest assured, the medication, dosage, and active ingredients will be exactly as prescribed. Canada Pharmacy Store is committed to your health and safety, and we work only with licensed pharmacies to ensure you receive trusted, high-quality medication every time.
General Medication Fact Sheet for Orencia
Important NotesMonitor for signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment; avoid live vaccines during treatment; may increase risk of malignancies.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Orencia |
| Generic Name | Abatacept |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Increased risk of serious infections; screen for latent tuberculosis before starting treatment. |
| Purpose | Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. |
| Mechanism of Action | Selective T cell costimulation modulator, blocking the interaction between CD28 and CD80/CD86, inhibiting T cell activation. |
| Dosage Forms | Intravenous infusion, subcutaneous injection |
| Available Strengths | Intravenous: 250 mg vial; Subcutaneous: 125 mg prefilled syringe or ClickJect autoinjector |
| Dosage Frequency | Intravenous: Every 4 weeks; Subcutaneous: Weekly |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, nausea |
| Serious Side Effects | Serious infections (pneumonia, cellulitis), malignancies, allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), worsening of COPD |
| Drug Interactions | TNF inhibitors (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab), other immunosuppressants (e.g., anakinra), live vaccines |
| Storage | Intravenous: Store vials refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F); Subcutaneous: Store prefilled syringes or ClickJect refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F), protect from light. |
| Missed Dose | Intravenous: Contact your healthcare provider to reschedule; Subcutaneous: Administer as soon as possible, then resume regular schedule. |
| Alternatives | Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel), Infliximab (Remicade), Rituximab (Rituxan), Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) |
Orencia Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adalimumab (Humira) | TNF-alpha inhibitor | Blocks TNF-alpha, reducing inflammation. |
| Etanercept (Enbrel) | TNF-alpha inhibitor | Binds to TNF-alpha, preventing its interaction with cell surface receptors. |
| Infliximab (Remicade) | TNF-alpha inhibitor | Monoclonal antibody that binds to TNF-alpha. |
| Rituximab (Rituxan) | Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody | Depletes B cells, reducing inflammation. |
| Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) | JAK inhibitor | Inhibits Janus kinases, affecting cytokine signaling. |
Orencia Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Headache | Serious infections (pneumonia, cellulitis) |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | Malignancies |
| Sore throat | Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
| Nausea | Worsening of COPD |
| Dizziness | Increased risk of infection |
Orencia Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (Intravenous) | Based on weight (e.g., <60 kg: 500 mg) | Based on weight (e.g., <60 kg: 500 mg every 4 weeks) | Administered by intravenous infusion. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (Subcutaneous) | 125 mg | 125 mg weekly | Administered by subcutaneous injection. |
| Psoriatic Arthritis (Intravenous) | Based on weight (e.g., <60 kg: 500 mg) | Based on weight (e.g., <60 kg: 500 mg every 4 weeks) | Administered by intravenous infusion. |
| Psoriatic Arthritis (Subcutaneous) | 125 mg | 125 mg weekly | Administered by subcutaneous injection. |
| Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Intravenous) | Based on weight (10 mg/kg) | Based on weight (10 mg/kg every 4 weeks) | Administered by intravenous infusion. |
| Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Subcutaneous) | Based on weight (patients ≥ 10 kg receive 125mg weekly) | Based on weight (patients ≥ 10 kg receive 125mg weekly) | Administered by subcutaneous injection. |
Orencia Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $50 – $300 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $3,000 – $3,500 |
| From CPS | $1,799.95 |
