Orencia infusion
I'm beginning Orencia infusions on Wednesday and wondered if anyone here can give me insight on what to expect. I've been on methotrexate for 6 months for psoriasis and rheumatologist upped from 4 to 6 but this is my first biologic. Have others had any relief for PsA and inflammatory polyarthritis with Orencia? I have multiple heart conditions and COPD so tnf inhibitors are absolutely out. Can anyone share their experience? I'm nervous and a bit afraid but any relief will be amazing. Thanks in advance.
Btw, I'm 48 now, had psoriasis since 12 or so. Pain for over 10 years but finally got a real diagnosis in the last 8 months and rheumatologist confirmed a month ago.
Hi @MWMahaffy. I hope you get some responses from the community and that Orencia is effective for you. I searched our archives and really didn't find much about Orencia, so I am glad you started this thread. It could be helpful for others who are considering Orencia as well. Please keep us posted if you feel comfortable doing so. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)
My son has been on Orencia…injections….since January…I think it was in January. I could see a huge change in him after the 8th or 9th injection. A terrific change. I have to watch for signs since he is non verbal.
I had hoped the flares were over but the end of June he brought me an Ace Bandage to wrap his left leg/foot/ankle. Tells me he is experiencing a flare which continues. Although, the last time he had one he had me wrap both legs and was using his cane. No canes, yet.
I read Orencia helps with the intensity of flares for a percentage of patients as well as shortens the length of time. We’re approaching 1 month of this one….praying it doesn’t go on for the 3 months it did the end of last year which is when his rheumatologist put him on Orencia.
I see you wrote your post in 2021. Hoping you have good news to share as far as how the Orencia has helped you.
Hi
, thanks for sharing your son's experience with Orencia. It can be so helpful for people to hear others experiences. I'm happy that he seemed to be getting relief from the Orencia, but sorry to hear he's just started a flare up again. I'm crossing my fingers that he gets some relief soon and this one doesn't last so long. Does he have another injection coming up soon? I know some of our community members have mentioned that as more time passes (and it gets closer to their time for mediation/injection) they are more likely to have a flare up or experience pain, but then after the medication they get relief again. Of course, if things seem to continue, or get worse, please don't hesitate to reach out to his doctor (something I know I don't need to mention to you as you are well versed in managing your son's treatment and symptoms.) Wishing you both a gentle evening! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Hi Christine,
Harry gets weekly injections. We see his rheumatologist this coming Monday. I’ll be quoting parts of your message as well as others to her. I value the input I find here so much.
Thank you!, how did the appointment go yesterday? I hope you were able to have a good and helpful discussion regarding Harry's treatment! I'm so glad you're a part of the community here. Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
