Before using Orencia, tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), if anyone in your household has tuberculosis, or if you have recently traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.
Also tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, any type of infection (including skin infection or open sores), COPD, diabetes, a history of hepatitis, or if you have scheduled to receive any vaccinations.
Children using this medication should be current on all childhood immunizations before starting treatment with Orencia. Serious infections may occur during treatment with Orencia. Contact your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, dry cough, sore throat, night sweats, tired feeling, weight loss, or painful warmth or redness of your skin.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Orencia if you are allergic to abatacept.
Before using Orencia, tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, if anyone in your household has tuberculosis, or if you have recently traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.
To make sure Orencia is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a weak immune system;
any type of infection including a skin infection or open sores;
infections that go away and come back;
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
diabetes;
hepatitis; or
if you are scheduled to receive any vaccines.
Using Orencia may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). This risk may be greater in older adults. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of abatacept on the baby.
Children using Orencia should be current on all childhood immunizations before starting treatment.
How should I use Orencia?
Orencia is injected under the skin, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Before you start treatment with Orencia, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Orencia is injected under the skin when given to a child between 2 and 6 years old.
Orencia must be given slowly when injected into a vein, and the IV infusion can take at least 30 minutes to complete.
This medicine is usually given every 1 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Orencia must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Gently swirl but do not shake the medication bottle. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Each vial (bottle) or prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Orencia.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, using Orencia can cause this virus to become active or get worse. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after you stop.
Orencia can cause false results with certain blood glucose tests, showing high blood sugar readings. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about the best way to test your blood sugar.
Autoimmune disorders are often treated with a combination of different drugs. Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.
Store Orencia in original carton in a refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze. Do not use after the expiration date on the medicine label has passed.
If you need to travel with your medicine, place the syringes in a cooler with ice packs.
Orencia mixed with a diluent may be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature and must be used within 24 hours.
