Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease that affects children and adolescents. It is also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Like adult rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis causes chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints, and can lead to disability.
The main symptoms children and teens with JIA may experience are:
- pain and swelling in the joints
- stiffness in the joints
What can you do if your child has been diagnosed with moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child. If your child has juvenile idiopathic arthritis:
- Learn all you can about your child's condition.
- Get helpful advice, information, and support by joining a local support group.
- Find out about treatment options, including the possible benefits and risks.
- Ask your doctor if ORENCIA® (abatacept) intravenous (IV) infusion could make a difference for your child.
Important Safety Information: Serious Infections
ORENCIA can make you more likely to get infections or make the infection that you have get worse. Some patients have died from these infections. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you feel sick or get any of the following signs of infection: fever, feel very tired, cough, feel flu-like, or warm, red or painful skin.
How can ORENCIA IV help children and teens with JIA?
ORENCIA IV has been shown to reduce pain and joint inflammation in children 6 years of age and older with moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Studies have shown that ORENCIA IV has helped children and teens experience fewer flares.
ORENCIA IV is given to your child as a 30-minute infusion by a healthcare professional. It is given once every 4 weeks after an initial dosing regimen.
Tell your doctor if your child has an infection, even if it is small (such as an open cut or sore) or an infection that is in their whole body (such as the flu). Also tell your doctor if your child has recently received a vaccination or is scheduled for any vaccination.