Abatacept and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Ore...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

Abatacept for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am a 49-year-old male. I was diagnosed with RA in 1997. I was on Humira for 10 years, which helped greatly, but the side effects began showing, so I was forced to stop. I was off all RA meds for a couple of years, and my condition began deteriorating again. I went on Orencia IV drip. I began showing almost all of the side effects listed about a month after my first dose. It was slowly poisoning me. I was sick all the time and showing severe symptoms: exhaustion, night sweats, back pain, migraines for 8 days straight, diarrhea, nausea, and a level of discomfort I've never felt. It's an awful medicine with crippling side effects. It is important to note that the side effects were worse than the RA itself, and my condition is moderate to severe. My suggestion is to avoid this medication at all costs. I was put on an anti-nausea pill that is used for chemo patients. If you do some research, you will find that 25% of the people on Orencia have a bad experience."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2009

Abatacept 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

Abatacept 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!"

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2009

Abatacept for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I switched to Orencia a couple of 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 be the wonder drug for me and everyone."

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

Abatacept 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, and I'm exhausted. The two days following, I sleep a lot and feel awful."

• Nic...
• March 18, 2015

Abatacept for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have moderate to severe RA. Diagnosed 1.5 years 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 Plaquenil. I had already stopped taking the other meds. The benefit of Orencia kicked in after 4 months of infusion application. After 8 months, I am now on the second month of weekly self-injection. Swelling of the 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."

• bar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2016

"I was diagnosed with lupus in 2007. I had no major side effects until the past couple of years. Now the lupus has caused an RA diagnosis and a vasculitis diagnosis. I have been on Plaquenil and methotrexate. I was scheduled for a Cytoxan infusion, but my bloodwork came back positive for the Jo-1 virus. So I cannot have the infusion. The doctor has since prescribed me Orencia for weekly at-home injection (I opted for this versus the infusion). I just had my 3rd weekly injection. The first week showed no difference, but the second week showed vast improvement with minimal pain, and I was able to go for a 1/2 mile walk the other day-WOO HOO! I do notice I am tired the day after the injection, but the energy picks up after that."