Abatacept, sold under the brand name Orencia, is a medication used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, by interfering with the immune activity of T cells. It is a modified antibody.

When your immune system thinks your joints are under attack, it activates your T cells. These activated T cells send the signals that eventually lead to the symptoms in your joints. ORENCIA helps stop the T cell from being activated, which disrupts harmful signals from being sent to your joints.

Abatacept, trade name Orencia, is a type of drug called a biological therapy. It targets the cause of your inflammation and reduces the activity of your immune system. It's an effective treatment for many people living with arthritis.

Orencia is a selective immunosuppressant that may be used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatoid factors are antibodies directed against the Fc region of immunoglobulin G. First detected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 70 years ago, they can also be found in patients with other autoimmune and nonautoimmune conditions, as well as in healthy subjects.

The primary target for treatment of RA should be a state of clinical remission, defined as the absence of signs and symptoms of substantial inflammatory disease activity. Low disease activity may be an acceptable alternative therapeutic goal, particularly in established long-standing disease.

The more common side effects of Orencia may include:

• headaches.
• upper respiratory infections, such as a sinus infection or the common cold.
• nausea.

Orencia for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 2) Orencia has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 58 reviews for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. 48% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 38% reported a negative experience.

Abatacept (Orencia) is often prescribed after failure of a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agent (DMARD), like methotrexate but it can be used as first-line therapy. Abatacept is used to reduce inflammatory symptoms such as swelling, pain and stiffness.

Drugs used to treat RA include: Rituxan (rituximab): One of the first monoclonal antibodies on the market, it is used to treat autoimmune conditions including RA and lupus in addition to blood cancers. It targets the CD20 antigen found on B cells.

ORENCIA is used to reduce signs and symptoms of moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis in adults 18 years and older. Taking ORENCIA may prevent further damage to your bones and joints, and may help your ability to perform daily activities.

The brand name for abatacept is Orencia. It is part of a class of drugs called biologics.