What is ORENCIA® (abatacept)?
ORENCIA is a prescription medicine that is used to treat adults with moderate to
severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including those who have not been helped enough
by other medicines for RA. RA is a disease that causes pain and joint inflammation
(tenderness and swelling). RA can also cause joint damage. Your doctor may consider
treating you with ORENCIA because your disease is still active even though you may
have tried other treatments.
What is the ORENCIA Promise Program?
The ORENCIA Promise Program is our copay program for new ORENCIA patients* with
private insurance.
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We will pay the full copay for ORENCIA for your first 6 months of therapy (8 infusions)
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Plus, if you're not satisfied after 6 months we will pay your first copay of another
RA medicine - up to $500
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* Offer covers cost of medication copay only. Limited time offer. Promotion may
not be offered in some states. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply.
Learn more about the ORENCIA Promise Program
What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)?
JIA is arthritis of unknown cause that begins before 16 years of age and lasts for
at least 6 weeks. JIA causes swelling with joint pain. It is also referred to as
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The main symptoms children and teens with JIA
may experience are:
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Pain and swelling in the joints
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Stiffness in the joints
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Loss of function
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How does ORENCIA work?
The immune system defends the body against infections caused by bacteria and viruses.
A normal immune system leaves healthy body tissues alone. In people with RA, the
immune system attacks normal body tissues causing damage and inflammation especially
in the tissues of your joints.
ORENCIA is a rheumatoid arthritis medicine that keeps the immune system from attacking
healthy tissues in the body to reduce pain and joint inflammation, and slow the
damage to bones and cartilage. However, ORENCIA can also lower your body's ability
to fight infection. Treatment with ORENCIA can make you more prone to getting infections
or make any infection you have worse. It is important to tell your doctor if you
think you have any infections.
What should I tell my doctor before treatment with ORENCIA?
Talk to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ORENCIA or its
ingredients to determine if you should receive ORENCIA.
Before you receive treatment with ORENCIA you should tell your doctor if you:
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have any kind of infection even if it is small (such as an open cut or sore), or
an infection that is in your whole body (such as the flu). If you have an infection
when taking ORENCIA, you may have a higher chance for getting serious side effects.
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have an infection that will not go away or a history of infections that keep coming
back.
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have had tuberculosis (TB), a positive skin test for TB, or you recently have been
in close contact with someone who has had TB. If you get any of the symptoms of
TB (a dry cough that doesn’t go away, weight loss, fever, night sweats) call
your doctor right away. Before you start ORENCIA, your doctor may examine you for
TB or perform a skin test.
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have or have had viral hepatitis. Before you use ORENCIA, your doctor may examine
you for hepatitis.
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have a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease (COPD).
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are scheduled to have surgery.
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are allergic to any of the ingredients in ORENCIA. See the end of this leaflet for
a list of the ingredients in ORENCIA.
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recently received a vaccination or are scheduled for any vaccination. If you are
receiving ORENCIA, you should not take live vaccines.
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have diabetes and use a blood glucose monitor to check your blood sugar (blood glucose)
levels. ORENCIA contains maltose, a type of sugar that can give false high blood
sugar readings with certain types of blood glucose monitors, on the day of ORENCIA
infusion. Your doctor may tell you to use a different way to monitor your blood
sugar levels.
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are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if ORENCIA can harm
your unborn baby. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has a registry for pregnant women
exposed to ORENCIA. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant
mother and her child. Patients are encouraged to call the registry themselves or
ask their doctors to contact the registry for them by calling 1-877-311-8972.
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are breast-feeding. ORENCIA can pass into breast milk. Women who are breast-feeding
should talk to their doctor about whether or not to use ORENCIA.
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If you are not sure or have any questions about any of this information,
ask your doctor.
What important information do I need to know about side effects with ORENCIA?
Orencia can cause serious side effects including:
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Serious infections. Patients receiving ORENCIA have a higher chance
of getting infections including pneumonia, and other infections caused by viruses,
bacteria, or fungi. Call your doctor 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.
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Allergic reactions.
Allergic reactions can happen on the day of treatment or the day after receiving
ORENCIA. Tell your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you have hives,
swollen face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat or trouble breathing.
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Cancer (malignancies).
Certain kinds of cancer have been reported in patients receiving ORENCIA.
It is not known if ORENCIA increases your chance of getting certain kinds of cancer.
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Vaccinations.You should not receive ORENCIA with certain types
of vaccines. ORENCIA may cause some vaccinations to be less effective.
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Respiratory problems in patients with COPD. You may get certain
respiratory problems more often if you receive ORENCIA and have COPD, including:
worsened COPD, pneumonia, cough, or trouble breathing.
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What are the more common side effects with ORENCIA?
The more common side effects with ORENCIA in both adults and children are headache,
upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, and nausea. Other side effects in
children may include diarrhea, cough, fever, and abdominal pain.
Can I receive ORENCIA if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
ORENCIA has not been studied in pregnant women or nursing mothers, so we don't know
what the effects are on pregnant women or nursing babies. You should tell your doctor
if you are pregnant, become pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant.
Can I receive ORENCIA if I am taking other rheumatoid arthritis medicines for
my RA or other conditions?
Yes, you can take other medicines if your doctor has prescribed them or has told
you it is okay to take them while you are receiving ORENCIA. It is important to
tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including hormones, over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products before you are treated with
ORENCIA. If you start taking or plan to start taking any new medicine while you
are receiving ORENCIA, tell your doctor. ORENCIA should not be taken with biologic
medications for RA such as Enbrel®, Humira®, Remicade®, or Kineret®.
How will ORENCIA be given to me?
ORENCIA will be given to you by a healthcare professional using an IV. This means
the medicine will be given to you through a needle placed in a vein in your arm.
It will take about 30 minutes to give you the full dose of medicine.
How often will I receive ORENCIA® (abatacept)?
You will receive your first dose of ORENCIA followed by a second dose at around
day 15 and a third dose at around day 30. You will then continue therapy every four
weeks thereafter. Please note that the actual day of dosing may vary based on patient
scheduling.
What should I do if I miss a dose of ORENCIA?
If you miss receiving ORENCIA when you are supposed to, ask your doctor when to
schedule your next dose.
What if I still have questions?
If you have any questions or problems, always talk with your doctor. You can also
call 1-800-ORENCIA® toll-free or visit the company Internet site at www.BMS.com.
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