Orencia infusion yesterday. | Arthritis Information

HI guys,mjust thought i'd fill you in, yesterday was my first infusion, the first thing to happen was my veins were too tiny to get the port in - then they called a Dr and she missed too, then they put two in in different spots incase the veins collapsed!!!! So we were off to a great start. Unfortunately after the orencia was administered I had an anaphylactic reaction, tight throat, funny tongue sensations and then my lips went numb and started to swell so they administered hydrocortisone, phenergen, and maxolon as I was so nauseous. then things settled down thank God and I felt better, they wanted to keep me in overnight but after they gave me some dinner which was lovely, I felt even better still, so I came home, Hubby was scared but he said he felt it would happen as it always does, we are just praying that they will let me continue to have it, given my past history they usually don't. Please pray that they do, thankyou friends, Janie. PS today I feel ok just very tired so I cancelled all appointments and am still in my nightie at 11am. hee hee. Goodness! Glad you are ok. I go in for my 4th infusion on the 28th.
Luckily I have not had a reaction-wow!

When will you know if you can continue? I am assuming you are
supposed to have another infusion in 2 weeks for the loading doses.

Let us kow what the dr. says...

BeckyJanie, that is scary, but so glad you are alright. I hope they let you continue...maybe they can give you something in advance to prevent the reaction (or something stronger if they already gave you something).

Rocckyd,

How is the Orencia working for you? Is Orencia the first biologic that you have taken? How long is the infusion? I'm asking because i am taking 2 months to consider switching from enbrel to Orencia. Thanks for any info you or others will share.

LEV

Thanks Becky, how is it working for you? Have you noticed any relief? Thanks Innerglow, I am hoping that if they let me continue that they will give me the phenergen beforehand next time. I am waiting for my Rheumy to get back to me for a decision. thanks again guys, Janie.

Wow, Jane, that sounds terrifying! I am glad it all turned out okay for you!

Take it easy for a day or so!

< =text/>_popupControl(); Wow scary stuff Janie!! I am glad that you are ok and take it easy for the next few days!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Many gentle hugs to you!

Do not call the orencia help line with any questions about reactions. I had a weird reaction that my doctor wasn't quite sure about to my second and third infusion. I got little fluid filled bumps right above my ankle bones within a couple of hours of the second infusion that didn't go away and really hurt my ankles. I called the orencia help line to see if any one else had reported a similar thing. Next thing I knew, they send my dr. a certified letter saying I was no longer to get the drug.

I still don't know if those bumps came from the orencia since they are still there and my last infusion was September 4th. I would have liked to keep trying the orencia as it was my last ditch meds before going on disibility.

Please do be very careful if you get the next infusion because your reaction sounds so scary.

I am going in for my fourth one on the 28th. It seems that I can really
feel it wearing off. I had 3 really good weeks but this one has been
rough. Is that the norm? I have been on Enbrel, Huimra, and Remicade. I
am hoping that this is the magic one. [QUOTE=ncjen]

Please do be very careful if you get the next infusion because your reaction sounds so scary.

[/QUOTE]

Wow that was a bit unfair, I know my rheumy is phoning them as I feel I have had a little imrovement already and would be keen to try it again with the phenergen beforehand this time, you are right though about the next one, the Orencia administrator told me that most reactions don't occur with the first infusion but with the subsequent one!!!!! So my fingers are crossed!!! Thanks for your replies everyone, I really do appreciate it, Janie.XX

Janie Honey, I am so glad you are ok and with us. I am hoping this is going to work for you, and you can keep taking it.

Rest a lot, and I will be praying for you! Hugs to you!