Abatacept and Pain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2009

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have had 11 Orencia injections now and have found the drug to be extremely beneficial for myself. Overall, there has been a marked improvement with my rheumatoid arthritis. The infusion actually works up until the last few days, and then I experience an increase in aching, swelling, and pain. In comparison to all other drugs, and believe me I have tried just about all of them, this has been a 'wonder drug'. For approximately three days after having the injection, I experience extreme tiredness, but once that passes, I am able to return to work and carry out normal everyday activities; e.g., housework and gardening. Prior to this medication, I was unable to do general gardening."

• Kat...
• May 29, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After rashes, pain, nausea, and elevated liver enzymes on Remicade, then Humira, the doc switched me to Orencia. Felt very tired the evening of the loading dose, but not ill. Now I feel better than I have felt in 4 years! LOVE this stuff!"

• 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 of days after injection, though - not worth it. I hope this can be reversed once out of the system, which takes weeks…"

• Hel...
• 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."

• Jul...
• 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 markers and still be hurting? Thanks."

• emi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Severe back pain and also in the 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 it's becoming problematic. I've been on 4 other biologic medicines, and this was the most effective in getting flare-ups under control."

• emi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Severe back pain and also in the 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 it's becoming problematic. I've been on 4 other biologic medicines, and this was the most effective in getting flare-ups under control."

• emi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Severe back pain and also in the 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 it's becoming problematic. I've been on 4 other biologic medicines, and this was the most effective in getting flare-ups under control."