Starting Orencia | Arthritis Information

I just received word today that my Orencia was approved and that I'm scheduled for my first infusion Wednesday the 24th at 9am. I don't want to build up too much hope this time around but I have my fingers crossed...so to speak...that this will be the one. I've done Enbrel which worked for a long time but none of the other TNF's have had the effect it did so it's on to the big guns.

wish me luck

Bob

Best of luck Bob- may this be your silver bullet!!!! Let us know how you make out! I've been reading some posts here from Orencia users and it appears you should make sure you are plenty hydrated before the infusion to ward off headaches. Did they give you any tips to follow before you go? Good luck Bob!Good luck Bob - you deserve a break!The best of luck to you, Bob! I just had my second Orencia infusion, on Thursday, so I'm also praying for positive results. Sadly, I had a severe headache (the worst I've ever had) and mild nausea with my first infusion, but most people seem to do well. Fortunately, my second infusion went great! I was told that hydration was very important, so I drank six glasses of water, before the infusion, and the nurses ran a bag of fluids with the Orencia. Hydration made all the diffference and I ended up having no side effects at all. I just thought I'd let you know, ahead of time, so you don't experience any bad side effects. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Renee

My very best wishes for control and then remission on this therapy. I really hope this is the med for you. I took it for about a year. I never had any problem with side effects.

It is so frustrating trying these different drugs, but it is worth it when you get you life back. Keeping my fingers crossed that this one is it!Bob, I, too, just want to wish you the best of luck when starting Orencia. I have been on it for over a year. The infusions are easy, only last a half hour, and I didn't experience any side effects. I have been told to hydrate before the infusions as it keeps your veins plumper and makes the infusions easier.

Don't get discouraged if you don't get a quick response. Orencia can take several infusions before it starts to kick in, and then the improvement is gradual. I've been told you can keep improving for a year or longer, once beginning the treatment. I've been off Methotrexate since last July, but am going to add Arava, starting this weekend. (Not looking forward to this, but l want to feel as good as I can.) Have been continually told that "combination therapy" is the best for stopping erosions. Take care and we'll all be pulling for you!