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

I have had 3 Orencia infusions for RA so far. No issues. I am also taking 4mg pill of Methlprednisonal each day. I’m hoping to get off pill soon.

I have been on Orencia for 18 months. Because of past issues with loading doses, I did not do the higher doses at the beginning of infusions and instead started on Orencia 500mg (with 50mg Benedryl IV piggyback & 20mg Prednisone day before, day of, and day after infusions.) After 6 months, we upped my Orencia infusion dose to the normal 750mg, and dropped the last day of Prednisone 20mg. After that time, I have done very well on Orencia, and have had no side effects (other than a sunburn type rash and gum lesions immediately after the infusion; the pre-meds takes care of this for me.) The only thing I experience is very minimal; the day after my infusion I am a bit tired and just take it easy…no other issues! (crossed fingers)

I hope Orencia continues working for me, I’m very happy with it. Best of luck, hang in there because it may take a few months to get full impact of the medication.

I've been getting abatacept infusions for about two years with no side effects. (I sometimes get "cold symptoms" for a day or two and a mild headache, but I get so many headaches it gets lost in the mix.) As I recall, it took a few infusions before I felt much difference, but the times I've had to put the infusions on pause (related to the timing of vaccines, nothing to do with the abatacept itself), I noticed the difference. Hope it all goes equally well for you.

@adlttl123 may I ask what you are taking now?

I’m going for my infusion today so thankful for this drug !! Great help and indeed I can tell with in 6 hrs that it has helped.. best to anyone who is struggling

I was on Orencia home infusions for about 9 months. Attempted to taper the daily steroid, but flared. Wasn't sufficient without the steroid to control my symptoms, but also suffered no ill side effects from it.

Orencia infusions for RA. I have been receiving a monthly infusions now for 42 months.
It has been a life saver for me.
I’ve not had any side effects. On day of infusion I get tired - so it’s a rest day. I have had some flare ups, maybe 10 total in various areas. When I notice “pain taking hold” I take 5 Methylprednisone (4mg) pills on 1st day and 1 less nxt day, etc - till gone. (Usually I’m good by 2nd day) I have changed the way I eat significantly - that has also made quite a change in weight and mood. Now no cravings. NO processed foods, sugar, low carbs. Life changing.
Blessed not to have other medicines to take.
I also have IPF (pulmonary fibrosis) and CHD (coronary heart disease)
Bless us all that have challenges.