Orencia User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2009

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I switched to Orencia couple months ago. I have had 5 treatments so far. Since I switched to Orencia, I noticed that there has been significant improvement with my Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am able to sleep well again at night. I wake up not feeling tired, achy and stiff. In comparison to the other rheumatoid arthritis medications I have taken, Orencia seems to be working more for me. I am no longer sleep deprived and am able to do some chores that I have not been able to do such as opening a jar, door, etc. I experience tiredness after my treatment for one day, then up until the last few days of my next treatment, minor aches and stiffness are back. I am hoping that Orencia will the wonder drug for me and everyone."

• Daisy
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 6, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Worked great for 9 months. (moderate-severe with positive RA factor) Went off this for around three weeks due to a mix-up with co-pay. Now, two straight weeks of stomach rumbling and diarrhea. Probiotics, pepto-bismo nothing is helping. This is the only RA med that has worked for me, so I really hope my doctor can get me over this. I am on a copay plan through an assistance fund and they pay what Medicare/Anthem doesn't cover $1500/mth. Before Orencia I was unable to function, so I'm very thankful because it gave me some of my life back."

• Jd7
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Unfortunately Orencia did not work for me. I waited six months to see if it would work. It did nothing for me, but at least I didn’t have any side effects from it. I wish they could come up with a test to figure out what medication will work for who. It’s terrible wasting time waiting for something that may never happen."

• Anonymous
• September 3, 2009

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This medication has been a life saver for me. My 22 month old granddaughter and her mother live with me and my husband. It is a job keeping up with her and without Orencia I can't even walk my pain is so severe. Thank You Orencia."

• LKid
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have rheumatoid arthritis and mixed connective tissue disease. I was on methotrexate and prednisone for approximately 8 years. The methotrexate stopped working, and I frequently had severe flare-ups that caused me to increase prednisone to alleviate the severe swelling, stiffness, and pain. I recently tried Humira injections. They did not work for me. I was tested to see if I would respond to other TNF inhibitors and learned I had less than a ten percent chance that any TNF inhibitor drugs would help. After reviewing various other options offered by my doctor, I decided to give Orencia a try. I have completed the 3 loading dose infusions, plus one monthly dose. I am pleased to say, I feel 80 percent better. The stiffness and severe pain are gone. I can make fists again. Before, I couldn't close my hands. My energy is better, and I'm sleeping more comfortably because I'm not feeling all the pressure point pain. I'm still on the 5 mg of prednisone, but I plan to stop taking it."

• 176
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Ended up being a nightmare drug. First RA drug I’ve tried that had such detrimental psychological side effects, that I hope go away eventually after stopping. I had my anxiety and depression under control for 10 years, was at peace in my mind and days felt bright minus the fatigue that comes with RA. Only drug I’m on currently. Since starting it months ago, I’m in constant terror and a major depressive episode that’s wrecked havoc on my life. Also caused debilitating lower back and shoulder/neck pain. I had rapid weight gain even as someone who normally has difficulty gaining weight. It did work for joint pain and skin related stuff due to my condition, usually the effects would be the most for the first couple days after injection though - not worth it. I hope this can be reversed once out of system which takes weeks…."

• Julie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have ever been on abatacept and after 13 weeks it hasn't had any effect. I was on rituximab with no result either, am I a lost cause? So doctors are taking me off it and tackling pain control with patches, has anyone else had failures"

• Janet...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 18, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Orencia since it first became available. It was effective at controlling my disease within the first few months. I used IV Ornecia for the first few years, and after it became approved as SubQ, I've been giving myself shots weekly. It continues to work effectively at controlling my disease, and 2023 marks my 18th year using Orencia. I had an increase in skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) at first, but I also have fair skin, freckles, and red hair. I continue to see a dermatologist regularly, but my rate of skin cancer has leveled out and I might have 1 spot removed every year or two. That is the only side effect I have seen, but again, it is probably due in part to my fair complexion and age."

• RA RN
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Got an infusion of Orencia on a Tues for worsening RA symptoms. Wednesday, I had a severe headache that basically incapacitated me. Thursday morning, I woke up with the same headache, sensitivity to light and sound, and a stiff neck. I was unable to stand up without vomiting. ED doctor did lumbar puncture and told me I had viral meningitis. That experience has made me reluctant to try another biologic."

• A Rose
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Diagnosed 3years ago with RA in all major joints except right hip which is severe Osteoarthritis,I take Plaquenil & have tried Methotrexate, Gabapentin, Meloxicam, Arava had major side effects with each one. My Dr. decided to try a biologic. My first self injection of Enbrel caused an anaphylactic reaction almost killing me. I now carry an epi pen. I was scared but hopeful that Orencia would work. The first injection I litterally kept the Epi Pen in my hand. 2 hours after the first dose all 10 fingers turned a very dark blue-black color, as did my feet. My legs were a solid grey-blue color. 2nd injection same thing. Orencia was stopped. 2 months later I am still blue. NEVER AGAIN!!!"

• Nickdor
• March 18, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have moderate to severe RA. Diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago. Initially on Prednisone and Methotrexate; later added Remicade. Side effects were severe with fevers of "unexplained origin", night sweats, lethargy and dizziness. Swelling of hand knuckles and ankle joint unchanged. Consulting doctor at Johns Hopkins suggested Orencia plus plaquinil. I had already stopped taking the other meds. Benefit of Orencia kicked in after 4 months of infusion application. After 8 months I am now on second month of weekly self-injection. Swelling of ankle greatly reduced. Right hand knuckle swelling somewhat reduced, but still evident with accompanying stiffness. I have never experienced significant pain with RA, but MRIs show joint erosion in hands and ankle."

• Helen
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 10, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took this medication for 2 years! 2 years my Rheumatologist forced me to stay on this nothing medication with obvious continuous flare, and damage. I think 1 good year of giving a medication a go is sufficient, but this useless Rheumatologist refused to try something else. In the meantime....my hands have obvious irreversible damage, swollen, hurt, and I require pain pills to survive. This medication is useless."

• duggy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2020

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Orencia took about three months for the full benefit to kick in. Been on it for nine months now with great joint movement. Hope this keeps up - cost about six thousand a month which insurance pays. Yes - I am fortunate,"

• Keato...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've been doing the infusion for three months now. It hasn't improved any of my symptoms at all. Day of infusion I get severe low back/hip pain & I'm exhausted. The two days following I sleep a lot & feel awful."

• emily
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Severe back pain and also in neck, shoulders and arms started after being on Abatacept for about 3 months. More muscular pain than bone pain. Looking to come off it as its becoming problematic. I've been on 4 other biologic medicines and this was the most effective in getting flare ups under control."

• armor...
• July 13, 2010

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am on my 5th month of treatment and have seen some improvement in overall pain/discomfort, but still continue to have issues. I also have extreme fatigue the day after treatment. My doctor just increased my dose to the maximum to see if that works. I must take medication to sleep comfortably and medication to stay awake during the day. These medications interact. I supposedly have a mild case of rheumatoid arthritis and am still waiting to feel normal."

• Jay
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was on Enbrel for over 15 years for RA. Shortly after I started on it I told my rheumatologist it was a miracle drug. I still had flares but the severe pain I had felt every day was pretty much gone. Then, after so many years, the pain started returning. My current rheumatologist switched me to Humira. After a month it seemed to be helping. But I was having nausea and a continuous headache with occasional dizziness. It was so bad I asked my rheumatologist to switch me to something else. She then put me on Orencia. I've been on it for 6 weeks but the pain I had before going on Humira has returned. And I also have nasal congestion 24/7. I'll give the Orencia a few more weeks, until my next appointment with my rheumatologist, and if the pain and congestion isn't any better, I'll see what she wants to do. As a side note, I've also been taking methotrexate for 15 years."

• Damaged...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Orencia infusions almost finished me! I ended up in the hospital ( ended up in there twice before I figured it out) for the first time in my life, after receiving these infusions. My Doctors never did figure it out and blamed the drastic increase in my blood pressure on my not being careful enough with my diet. My diet is very restricted, so strict it is almost boring! Because of my professional background I keep daily notes, and it was in reviewing my notes that I finally made the connection between the date I started the Orencia infusions and the date the blood pressure problems started. The infusions were immediately stopped, however, my heart had already been damaged, and I will have to live with the discomfort and how these infusions have changed my life. It also did nothing to help my Rheumatoid Arthritis. The stress of everything I went through with the Orencia made my RA worse. I take a low dose of Prednisone which is much less harmful."

• Jules
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 28, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been in abatacept for around two years but even though inflammatory markers are normal, I still feel pain all over, like a flare, I also have other things that are wrong with me. My white cells and platelets were above normal last time, which concerns me as I had a blood clot 10 years ago in my lung. I have a lot of pain all over and I haven't a clue what it could be. Is it possible to have normal inflammatory marker and be still hurting? Thanks."

• Polly...
• July 8, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Severe RA became a part of my life 37 years ago, before the biologics were developed. 3 weeks after Enbrel came on the market, I started taking it in combo with hydroxychloroquine, sulfazalazine, methotrexate and NSAID. This combo worked for me for 17 years. It was a miracle. Then Enbrel effectiveness waned. I switched to Humira for about 8 months. Not effective. MD said I had probably developed auto antibodies to TNF alpha meds. I took xeljanz which did not help either. Then started injectable Orenica. After 3 months I was in a massive flare-up. I switched MDs and started Prednisone and IV Orencia 750/mo. Continued with hydroxychloroquine, MTX, sulfazalazine and NSAIDs. Flare up resolved in 6 months. Had to stop MTX last year due to severe crashing tinnitus. Continued the combo for 2 years. Now the IV Orencia is not available to me on Maui, so I am back on injectable Orencia 125 mg/wk. Seems to be holding me. Thank goodness for Orencia."

• Ruano
• May 10, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "My Vectra score came back at 55 (high disease activity), and it was time to figure out a new course of meds. Methotrexate injections didn't help with the pain and thinned my hair. Next up, biologics. Enbrel was a no go due to the possibility of heart failure and I was already experiencing high cardiac output. My first Orencia infusion was 2/11/2021. I experienced really bad HA's, lower bp and extreme fatigue. The HA's and lower bp subsided a little. My rheumy and the IV nurse said to stay with it because it does take time. After the fourth infusion, I began experiencing head & facial tingling causing my eye to freeze for a few seconds then stop. Tingling also in my left arm, dizziness, sore throat and stuffy nose. My rheumy she told me to stop the medication and offered Xeljanz. *long sigh* I really don't want to go on this medication tour and was really hoping Orencia would have worked. I heard so many good things from people who benefitted from it. Let's see what's next."

• Stacy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was encouraged to take Orencia by my rheumatologist after I had been experiencing vertigo and a racing heart from Humira. I was thrilled to learn I would only need one injection per month. After my 6th month on Orencia, I’m pretty much back to when I was first diagnosed in 2005. My joints feel like they are on fire and I can’t move. I also have a terrible racing heart that keeps me awake with some serious trouble taking deep breaths. I’ve had zero relief while taking this medicine besides maybe a few days right after I take the shot. I suffer for 20-25 days a month. Not good. Was told now to try Rinvoq but after reading reviews on it, I don’t plan on trying it. I was taking Enbrel for 14 years prior but was taken off it as I have severe erosion in my bones and holes in my joints. I hope I can find something that works for my pain."

• Aasso...
• October 16, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had the worse experience with this Orencia medicine. I kept waiting for the six months that they said it takes to work. In the process, I got worse than ever . It not only didn't work but made me worse. I was so mad that I waited so long in vain. I will never try another medication that supposedly take that long to work."

• Dhjack
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I, too have developed skin rashes and canker sores after six months of IV Orencia. I have requested a break to see if these are side effects. During the first treatments I was feeling better with no flares but then began getting rashes and the canker sores. I have been thru the mill looking for answers and Thursday I have an appointment with a skin and cancer doctor. I am not sure what is my answer but living with RA or the side effects is a toss-up as both are debilitating."

• Victor
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2022

"I'm 52 years old with a lifetime of damages from Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), and I also have RA. THIS IS THE ONLY BIOLOGIC, out of 6 I've tried so far, that helps some. It's MIRACULOUS for me! No side effects, either. This may work better prescribed off-label for AS, than it does for RA. Orencia has an extremely long half life. Seemed to take a few months to have any effect. Don't give up on this one until you've given it a fair try."