Orencia Powder for infusion is an immunosuppressant medicine that helps reduce signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders. It is primarily used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis alone or in combination with methotrexate medicine in children above six years of age.

Orencia Powder for infusion consists of Abatacept, which belongs to the TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce inflammation and pain caused by various autoimmune diseases.

Orencia Powder for infusion may cause certain side effects such as headache, nausea, cough, fever, sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infections, tingling or numbness, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin, redness on the skin and arms, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention or resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist for longer, please consult your doctor. A trained healthcare doctor will administer it. Hence, do not self-administer. Your physician will decide the dose and duration of the medicine based on the type and severity of the condition.

Orencia Powder for infusion should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present. Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, optimistic infections, cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, Hepatitis B Virus infection, heart failure, liver, heart, or kidney diseases, or a weak immune system, as it can worsen your health condition. Orencia Powder for infusion may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Orencia Powder for infusion should not be given to children under six years of age as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Orencia Powder for infusion as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of liver damage. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking this injection.

Orencia Powder for infusion consists of Abatacept, which belongs to TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders.

• Tingling or numbness
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Injection site reactions
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Cough
• Abdominal pain
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Pale skin

Orencia Powder for infusion should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present.  Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, optimistic infections, cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, Hepatitis B Virus infection, heart failure, liver, heart or kidney diseases, weak immune system, multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), and diabetes as it can worsen your health condition. Do not take live vaccines while being treated with Orencia Powder for infusion to prevent any serious consequences. Orencia Powder for infusion may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Orencia Powder for infusion as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers. Orencia Powder for infusion is not recommended for use in children below two years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. This medicine is not recommended for patients suffering from sepsis as it can worsen the condition. Orencia Powder for infusion should not be taken along with other TNF antagonist drugs as it can lead to serious adverse effects.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Orencia Powder for infusion may interact with other immunosuppressants (certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, adalimumab, rituximab, blood thinners (warfarin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), acidity treating medicines (omeprazole), cough suppressants (Dextromethorphan), live vaccines, Alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide) and birth control pills.

Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol consumption may cause dizziness and increase bleeding risk and liver injury.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Orencia Powder for infusion should be used with caution in liver or kidney disease cases, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and serious infections.

• CERTOLIZUMAB
• GOLIMUMAB
• ADALIMUMAB
• WARFARIN
• ATORVASTATIN
• SIMVASTATIN
• OMEPRAZOLE
• DEXTROMETHORPHAN
• CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE

• Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching that is less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
• Massages can also be helpful.
• Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, wear loose garments.
• Rest well and get plenty of sleep.
• Change your position at least every two hours to avoid developing pressure sores.
• Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice pack or hot pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.
• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.

• It is advised to closely monitor the patient for infections like active tuberculosis during and after the treatment though the patient gets a negative tuberculin test.
• It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any active viral, bacterial, and fungal infections before starting Orencia Powder for infusion.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease wherein the body's immune system attacks its tissue, which causes joint pain and damage. It occurs when the immune system does not work properly. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.