What is Orencia? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Orencia

• Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.

• Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

• This medicine is available in 3 forms: a vial (glass container), a prefilled syringe, or a ClickJect„¢ autoinjector. The prefilled syringe and ClickJect„¢ autoinjector are the dosage forms you can use at home.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into skin areas that are red, bruised, tender, scaly, or hard, or have scars or stretch marks.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

• Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before you use it. Do not warm it in any other way.

• Do not remove the needle cover from the prefilled syringe or ClickJect„¢ autoinjector until you are ready to use it.

• Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe or ClickJect„¢ autoinjector. It should be clear and colorless or slightly yellow. Do not use the medicine if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, if you see particles in it, or if the prefilled syringe or ClickJect„¢ autoinjector looks cracked or broken.

• If the amount of liquid in the prefilled syringe does not fall at or just above the fill line, do not use that syringe.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

What to do if you miss a dose of Orencia

Orencia contraindications - Who shouldn't take Orencia?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to abatacept.

Orencia warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have cancer, diabetes, lung or breathing problems (including COPD), any infection (including the flu), hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB), or are scheduled to have surgery.

• This medicine may cause infections.

• You will need a skin test for TB before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive reaction to a TB skin test.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Trouble breathing

Orencia interactions & what to avoid when taking Orencia

• Some medicines can affect how abatacept works. Tell your doctor if you are using adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, or tocilizumab.

• While you are being treated with this medicine or within 3 months after using it, do not have any vaccines without your doctor's approval. Your child's vaccines need to be current before treatment with abatacept.

• You will need a skin test for TB before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive reaction to a TB skin test.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.