Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Orencia users

Taterandtobysmom
Taterandtobysmom
Would anyone and/or everyone using Orencia please let me know how they are doing with this infusion? I've just begun it but experiencing side effects. I had another posting yesterday regarding Orencia. Would appreciate any information given regarding how you are doing on this medication and, more specifically, if you are experiencing side effects from it. Many thanks, Donna.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Donna. I had no side effects with the Orencia, however, while taking it I was also taking Plaquenil and Methotrexate, which seemed to exacerbate my intestional problems when they were combined with the Orencia. Eventually, my doc took me off all three meds. I'm taking Remicade now, which is also a good treatment for IBS. So far, I am feeling no bad effects and am hoping for Remicade to work.

I wish I could have taken the Orencia. I've met a few people at my infusion sessions who LOVE Orencia, saying that they feel wonderful since being on it. It takes some time to start working, as all biologics do. Let me know if you have further questions. You can send a private message to those of us who are/were on Orencia if you don't want to discuss certain things here. There are a few of us Orencia folks who may be able to answer your questions.
What kinds of side effects are you having?
Sue
Taterandtobysmom
Taterandtobysmom
Thanks Sue for your reply. I am having skin sensitivity that is listed as a side effect. Please see my other post stating Orencia. I've had my first three infusions and skin is very sensitive, manly on the torso area. I wonder if this will go away because wearing clothing that touches my stomach is a problem now. The Orencia started working almost immediately. With the exception of some stiffness in my right knee, I feel great except for the skin sensitivity. I'm also doing some research right now about the effects of yeast in my body and it being exacerbated with the medications I'm on. The skin sensitivity did not happen until immediately after the second infusion. I'm taking Metrotrexate, Prednisone and Orencia.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi again...just read your prior post on Orencia. I'm sorry you've had these reactions. I would speak to your doctor before your next infusion about these skin issues and whether or not this is the beginning of a more serious allergic reaction which could get much worse with future infusions I would also ask how common this problem is and whether or not it's wise to continue. Sometimes the cure can be worse than the disease, as they say. You may have to switch to something else in time, if this doesn't resolve. Best of luck to you, and let us know how you do !
Sue