Frances,
Orencia has been amazing for me. I have it has been since March when I did my loading doses. They say average time is 6 months to feel the full effects but I felt them very quickly.
I am now able to wean myself off of Prednisone which is awesome since i have been on it for almost a year. I am down to 2 mg and will be stopping it this week. Maybe you won't need to combine the Orencia with anything. That would be absolutely the best wouldn't it?
I wish you well with what has been amazing for me. By the way I have reactions to everything under the sun but not this drug! I'm even allergic to Tylenol. LOL This will be your ticket to wellness I just know it!
Hugs,
Jan

Frances, I hope Orencia works for you. I am trying natural antibiotic along with probiotics and lots of vitamins. So far, I'm good but I am still on 5mg prednisone. Nervous about coming down on prednisone which I must do since I am worried the RA aches will come back.

My rheumatologist said the only thing left for me to take was the Orencia. He said the dmards would be to bad for my liver as methotexrate was.

Have you had any sinus headaches from Orencia yet? And why did you choose the Orencia infusion vs. the injection.

If I start Orencia I think I want to try the injection then I could do it little by little. I think I am becoming more and more allergic to all kinds of meds.

Good Luck. Enjoy Hot Raleigh!!

Wendy, I chose Orencia infusions because my insurance will pay for the infusions and if I have the injections I have a rather large copay for drugs. I guess the infusion is viewed as a "procedure" vice "drug." At the present time until the powers that be decide differently, it is most beneficial for me to go with infusions...plus I like having one infusion a month (takes 30 minutes) and being through for the month. Plus with my history of drug allergies and reactions, it's probably best that someone is with me when I am receiving the drug.

As far as headaches, I did have a little headache the next morning but it wasn't even bad enough to need to take a headache pill. Since then, no headaches. No reaction yet and I hope and pray I can take this drug. I keep remembering that the remicade reaction did not happen until after the 6th infusion. I'll keep you informed how it goes.

Yes, it is hot in and around Raleigh. I went to Fuquay-Varina this afternoon and passed a weather sign that read 102. By the time I got through unloading my car, I was dehydrated and flopped in the recliner with a bottle of water. Not a good day for little old ladies to go outside. Lol.

Good luck with your RA regimen with the new doctor.

Frances, I need to keep what the insurance will pay if I have to go to Orencia. Infusion or injection. Another thought if the larger dose at infusion might better halt RA symptoms vs. smaller doseage of injection.

Good to know about not having headache. That was keeping me from thinking about it. My sinuses need a rest.

Keep us informed. Good luck to you. Remember when you get down to 5mg go down 3-4 wks at a time so your body can handle it.

Stay Cool! I'm just glad our power has not gone out with the storms like in VA and Maryland.

I hope Orencia works for you, too, sweetie! My Ofencia shots should be delivered tomorrow. After I have those here, I am to call the infusion center and set up an infusion time. I was happy to read you didn't have any problem w/your first infusion. I am only getting one infusion, then I take a shot the next night, and then weekly after that. Hope this drug works for me, too.

Blessings,
V

Hi All,
I'm using Orencia self injections once a week. For those of you that want to try it over infusions, orencia does have a copay assistance program. Each shot costs me 5.00. Just go to Orencia's website. You can fill out info there although they are really slow at getting the card to you so I suggest calling the get the ball rolling.
Joanie

They also have a copay assistance program for infusions.

Missouritiger, I hope and pray that you also get relief from Orencia. I'm taking the infusions because medicare and my supplemental private insurance will pay all of the infusion costs with no copay or deductibles from me.

If Orencia does not work, I only have a few other choices since I test allergic to all TNFs and am also allergic to sulfa and many antibiotics including penicillin. Maybe medical research will come up with some new alternatives for us.

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th. I spent it with my oldest son and my 16 year old grandson.

There is a new med coming out later this year, according to my rheumy. It's a JAKS inhibiter, not sure the name but it's a pill.
Also, a blood test to help pinpoint what meds will help and which won't.

My rheumatologist said the new pill coming out can cause infection. I read in the research that it has only killed four people so far.