What is Orencia and how is it administered?
Rituxan, also known as Orencia,[1] is a biologic medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb,[2] Orencia has been available worldwide since 2005 under different brand names, depending on the country of origin.
Is Orencia an injection?
Yes, Orencia is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically into the thigh or abdomen, using a device called a Syringe with Needle-Point Guard. This involves injecting the medication under the skin, allowing it to distribute throughout the body and provide symptom relief.
How often is Orencia administered?
The recommended dosing frequency varies depending on the specific condition being treated. For rheumatoid arthritis, Orencia is typically administered once every 14 days, while for psoriatic arthritis and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the dosing frequency might be once every 12 or 14 days.
Other forms of Orencia
While the subcutaneous injection form is the most common method of administration, there are other forms of Orencia available under different brand names, including an IV form, which is used in clinical settings and infusion centers.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com - Orencia (Abatacept). (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2026, from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patents/2417/orencia-abatacept-2417
[2] Bristol-Myers Squibb. (n.d.). Orencia. Retrieved May 15, 2026, from https://www.bms.com/products/orencia.html