Does Orencia (abatacept) increase the risk of infections?
Orencia is an immunomodulator. Because it can affect immune function, infections are a known risk with treatment. Clinical experience with drugs in this class includes infections such as upper respiratory infections and other bacterial or viral infections, and serious infections can also occur in some patients.
What kinds of infections are most commonly reported with Orencia?
The most common infections associated with Orencia are typically non-serious respiratory infections (for example, colds or other upper respiratory tract infections). Patients can also get other routine infections, depending on their overall health and other medications.
Can Orencia cause serious infections? What should patients watch for?
Yes. More severe infections are possible, especially in people who already have risk factors such as:
- Older age
- Diabetes or chronic lung disease
- Prior or recurrent infections
- Use of additional immunosuppressive medicines (like corticosteroids or other biologics)
Patients are generally advised to seek medical care promptly for symptoms such as fever, chills, worsening cough, shortness of breath, painful or worsening skin lesions, or signs of a spreading infection.
Does the infection risk change if you’re on steroids or other immune medicines?
Yes. Combining Orencia with other immunosuppressants can increase the overall risk of infection compared with Orencia alone, because the immune system can be suppressed in multiple ways at once.
Who should be extra cautious about infections before starting Orencia?
People with active infections should not start Orencia until the infection is evaluated and treated. Clinicians also typically screen for certain infections before starting immunomodulatory therapy, since some infections can worsen when immune responses are dampened.
Where can I find prescribing information details on infections with Orencia?
For the most direct and specific descriptions of infection rates and warnings (including serious infection language) for Orencia, check the latest prescribing information. DrugPatentWatch.com also tracks related regulatory and market information and may link to key documents: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/