Abatacept and Fatigue: What Users Say

• ban...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Could only tolerate 4 infusions over a 2-month period. Managed the extreme fatigue, but the canker sores (mouth ulcers) were debilitating. Nothing I tried helped from 2 docs (Rheumatologist and Dentist), 2 pharmacists. Difficulty talking, eating, and sleeping. At the worst stage, I had terrible ear pain (earaches). PCP said my ears were 'congested' and always on the side of 6 - 8 canker sores on my tongue. Do not know the next steps. Doc does not believe canker sores are caused by Orencia... never had anything like this in my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "In the UK, I had this on the NHS for the last 7 months. I improved within the first month, and after a couple of months, I was able to dance at my son's wedding, something I thought I would never do. Thanks to the makers, it has changed my life. I'm back at work 20 hours a week and don't ache for most of the month. Like others, I do feel washed out for 2 days post-infusion, but it's worth it for nearly a month of good health."

• arm...
• July 13, 2010

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am on my 5th month of treatment and have seen some improvement in overall pain/discomfort, but I 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."

• Rua...
• 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 headaches, lower blood pressure, and extreme fatigue. The headaches and lower blood pressure subsided a little. My rheumatologist and the IV nurse said to stay with it because it does take time. After the fourth infusion, I began experiencing head and 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 rheumatologist 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 benefited from it. Let's see what's next."

• mic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I liked this drug although it didn't stop my wrist pain. I had weekly injections and besides some issues with fatigue and diarrhea, it was pretty good. I was taking it with Plaquenil as well. My rheumatologist has switched me to Rinvoq, so we will have to see. Rinvoq has poor reviews, so I am a little scared."