Anyone have experience with ORENCIA (abatacept) infusions for RA?

I'm tagging fellow members @ajp2019 @pjshoppes @ktgirl who have mentioned taking Orencia (abatacept)

@nleejewell, do you feel that the infusion is helping?

I don’t know-I just got the first one yesterday.

I have been using the infused version for 3 years. No side effects and holds the RA stable.

Yes I was on Orencia infusions for a long time and it was very effective for me with no side effects that I remember.
It just eventually became ineffective. For me it was great while it lasted. Do you have particular concerns? Diane

I’m so glad to hear that it’s been effective. I’m hoping it works well for me too. I don’t have any particular concerns, but I am wondering how long it was before you noticed a difference?

For me it was quick working for sure within a month. I was very grateful for Orencia. Not one side effect. I probably would still be on it but for some reason after a period of time meds stop working for me. But Orencia worked longer than anything. I sure hope you have my experience and I think you will since you have already been taking the drug. The nurses that gave me the infusions were very knowledgeable and had no trouble sticking me and I am a very tough stick. Good luck.

I was on a good half dozen before the Orencia, which kept my numbers low although I still hurt like hell. I’m hoping the infusion works better. I just don’t know when to expect results. It’s not even a week but of course I’m hoping for help now!

I started doing the orencia infusions about 4 months ago and the last couple months I've had a sick feeling in the afternoon. I feel kind of nauseous and weak for about 5 or ten minutes and then it goes away only to come back off and on. The infusion is the only change I've had in meds. I took the self injections before but read here that the infusions seemed to help other people more. Any ideas?
Carol

Hello @ktgirl. I see you're interested in connecting with others on the topic of Orencia. Members such as @adlttl123 @mjq and @nleejewell have all shared that they have taken the infusions so may be able to come in and share if they had any similar symptoms.

Have you let your doctor know about this change?

I plan on messaging my doctor tomorrow. I have an appointment with him August 12th. I don't know what is causing this sick feeling but I'd like to find out. I've seen some of the other posts on orencia infusions but will look at them again. I may have nothing to do with Orencia at all. Who knows!!