Orencia-how long before major improvement? | Arthritis Information

For those of you who have seen a major improvement on Orencia, how long did it take before you really felt a major difference? I know that most people who get results start to see a gradual improvement after the 4th-6th dose, but when does it get to the point where it's really helping?

I'm halfway between my 7th and 8th dose, and while I have seen some gradual improvement after dose 6, I haven't seen anything beyond that and I'm wondering what the timeframe generally is.

Thanks.

Mine kicked in after my 2nd injection after the loading does.I had a time after the loading dose that I had to come off of it for other reasons so that being said it was after my 2nd regular injection. you are getting it 1x monthly correct?what does your Dr say about how its working for you so far?

I had gradual improvement for about 6 months and have since maintained at the same level.I've had a gradual improvement after about the third or fourth infusion. Just had sixth one three weeks ago and have noticed a lot of improvement (on most days). My first RA doctor (now retired) asked me during a flare if I had more "good days" than "bad days." I'm definitely having many more "good days" at this point. Orencia is the slowest acting medicine I have taken over the years. Let's hope it kicks in on a permanent basis for both of us soon!!

Sharon

Good question Innerglow, I am wondering the same thing, I am halfway through my 5th & 6th dose and don't feel any improvement, in fact it worries me because I feel my wrists are gradually getting worse and my knees feel a little stiffer than they used to be. My RD didn't give me a time frame but I am going to see him at the end of the month, and I am going to see about AP treatment. I thought all the meds I am on are supposed to stop damage.

I will be interested in other comments on Orencia!.

When you guys say you don't really have improvement- educate me on how a typical day is for you. Does it hurt to turn a door knob? Do you have trouble doing buttons and getting dressed or fixing your hair? Can you work?

I just remember during onset when I was having all those problems and I was not yet responding to meds I would see the Orencia commercial saying OH YES I CAN! I thought why don't they put me on that? Is it not the strongest med available right now for RA?

I really feel for you all.

I don't know if it is the strongest available, I had great improvement with Humira for the first couple of months, it was like instant, I loved it, my Crp went down to 9. but gradually came back up over the next 5 months, I had to go off Humira due to a very bad chest infection. I don't think the Orencia is working as well, as I have trouble, no, I can't open any jars unless the lid is just sitting on top, buttons and getting dressed is a challenge, and my hair is a problem now, not being able to hold the dryer, not being able to do the things I didn't even have to think about doing is a worry, but what worries me more, is that while I am being put on more meds and waiting to see if they work, my wrists are going downhill. thanks for you concern!!![QUOTE=wanttobeRAfree]When you guys say you don't really have improvement- educate me on how a typical day is for you. Does it hurt to turn a door knob? Do you have trouble doing buttons and getting dressed or fixing your hair? Can you work?[/QUOTE]

For me, some days it hurts to turn a door knob, others it's just uncomfortable. I never had trouble doing buttons, but I don't do them often. Getting dressed and fixing my hair is like the doorknob...sometimes hurts, sometimes just uncomfortable, always exhausting. I am not working right now, and I think that may be the reason that I'm not in agony, because I'm doing little of anything but resting. When I do have appointments or exert myself or try to do something around the house, I end up in severe pain. Even without that, there are days when the pain in my hands and feet just make me cry.

I would say in the last couple of months on the Orencia, my ankle swelling is less severe, but still consistently there every day. OTOH, the pain in my hands and feet is just as severe, but isn't at it's worst as often as it used to be. If that makes any sense.