Orencia

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn, thanks for the info. This looks like a promising one.

Hugs

June

----- Original Message -----

From: Ruf-Caimi

My son who is a scientist sent this to me the other day. He makes drugs

but mostly for cancer. I don't know anymore about this drug but thought

someone might want to read about it. When I see the Rheumy I will ask

him about this drug.

Lynn (MeMom)

FDA OKs Bristol-Myers rheumatoid arthritis drug

Tuesday 10 Jan 2006

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said on Friday that it has won U.S.

approval to sell a new type of

drug for treating the painful swelling caused by rheumatoid

arthritis. Sales of the new

medicine, called Orencia, may top $1 billion a year, some

industry analysts have predicted.

Orencia is the first approved drug known as a T-cell

co-stimulation modulator. It helps relieve

joint pain by inhibiting activation of T-cells, components of the

immune system involved in

inflammation. The drug, known generically as abatacept, is

administered by monthly

intravenous infusion. Orencia was approved for treating moderate

to severe cases of

rheumatoid arthritis that do not respond to one or more other

therapies.

[Guest guest]

Hi June,

My son didn't know a lot of this drug, his company does not make it. When I

see the Rheumy in February I will make sure I ask him about it. I will be sure

to let you

know.

How are you doing? Hope all is well.

Lynn

June Dixon wrote:

> Hi Lynn, thanks for the info. This looks like a promising one.

>

> Hugs

> June

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: Ruf-Caimi

>

> My son who is a scientist sent this to me the other day. He makes drugs

> but mostly for cancer. I don't know anymore about this drug but thought

> someone might want to read about it. When I see the Rheumy I will ask

> him about this drug.

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

> FDA OKs Bristol-Myers rheumatoid arthritis drug

> Tuesday 10 Jan 2006

> Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said on Friday that it has won U.S.

> approval to sell a new type of

> drug for treating the painful swelling caused by rheumatoid

> arthritis. Sales of the new

> medicine, called Orencia, may top $1 billion a year, some

> industry analysts have predicted.

> Orencia is the first approved drug known as a T-cell

> co-stimulation modulator. It helps relieve

> joint pain by inhibiting activation of T-cells, components of the

> immune system involved in

> inflammation. The drug, known generically as abatacept, is

> administered by monthly

> intravenous infusion. Orencia was approved for treating moderate

> to severe cases of

> rheumatoid arthritis that do not respond to one or more other

> therapies.

>

>

[Guest guest]

My doc has already told me we are starting on this one. It will be available

to the public on FEB 27TH. I will be getting my 1st treatment on it about

the 3rd of March.

Jill

On 1/22/06, Ruf-Caimi <ruf-caimi@...> wrote:

>

> My son who is a scientist sent this to me the other day. He makes drugs

> but mostly for cancer. I don't know anymore about this drug but thought

> someone might want to read about it. When I see the Rheumy I will ask

> him about this drug.

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

>

> FDA OKs Bristol-Myers rheumatoid arthritis drug

> Tuesday 10 Jan 2006

> Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said on Friday that it has won U.S.

> approval to sell a new type of

> drug for treating the painful swelling caused by rheumatoid

> arthritis. Sales of the new

> medicine, called Orencia, may top $1 billion a year, some

> industry analysts have predicted.

> Orencia is the first approved drug known as a T-cell

> co-stimulation modulator. It helps relieve

> joint pain by inhibiting activation of T-cells, components of the

> immune system involved in

> inflammation. The drug, known generically as abatacept, is

> administered by monthly

> intravenous infusion. Orencia was approved for treating moderate

> to severe cases of

> rheumatoid arthritis that do not respond to one or more other

> therapies.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Great, Jill. Please keep us updated on your progress. Have you failed other

meds?

Hugs

June

----- Original Message -----

From: Jill Watkins

My doc has already told me we are starting on this one. It will be available

to the public on FEB 27TH. I will be getting my 1st treatment on it about

the 3rd of March.

Jill

On 1/22/06, Ruf-Caimi <ruf-caimi@...> wrote:

>

> My son who is a scientist sent this to me the other day. He makes drugs

> but mostly for cancer. I don't know anymore about this drug but thought

> someone might want to read about it. When I see the Rheumy I will ask

> him about this drug.

> Lynn (MeMom)

>

>

> FDA OKs Bristol-Myers rheumatoid arthritis drug

> Tuesday 10 Jan 2006

> Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said on Friday that it has won U.S.

> approval to sell a new type of

> drug for treating the painful swelling caused by rheumatoid

> arthritis. Sales of the new

> medicine, called Orencia, may top $1 billion a year, some

> industry analysts have predicted.

> Orencia is the first approved drug known as a T-cell

> co-stimulation modulator. It helps relieve

> joint pain by inhibiting activation of T-cells, components of the

> immune system involved in

> inflammation. The drug, known generically as abatacept, is

> administered by monthly

> intravenous infusion. Orencia was approved for treating moderate

> to severe cases of

> rheumatoid arthritis that do not respond to one or more other

> therapies.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi June-

Yes, I tried Embrel and that did nothing. I have been on Remicade since May

and every month it helps less. I used to be able to go 6 weeks between

infusions and now I go every 4 weeks and after the 1st 10 days I am a mess.

Only 4 weeks to go - I cant wait!

Jill

On 1/25/06, June Dixon <juner24@...> wrote:

>

> Great, Jill. Please keep us updated on your progress. Have you failed

> other meds?

>

> Hugs

> June

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: Jill Watkins

>

>

> My doc has already told me we are starting on this one. It will be

> available

> to the public on FEB 27TH. I will be getting my 1st treatment on it

> about

> the 3rd of March.

>

[Guest guest]

Sounds good, ! You are doing a lot. Glad to hear that you could go

camping. Please do keep us posted.

Happy birthday to you!

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Orencia

>I have just taken my 5th infusion of Orencia it has helped alot but

> hoping for more movement. I will be seeing my Rhuematologist in

> early August to discuss my progress. Since it is new no one really

> knows what to expect. It has reacted differently on me than any

> other drug I have taken. In the middle of the four weeks it seems to

> back off a bit and then I do fine (weird). I really haven't had

> anytime to slow down since I have been on it so haven't really been

> able to tell how it is really working, but I am not having as much

> pain and stiffness. I worked in the kitchen at Vacation Bible School

> (no time to set) and then I came home and made cookies and thing for

> our camping trip over the fourth, I walked a lot and so ended up with

> aching feet each night when I went to bed. The main thing is that I

> can still make it camping. It was a beautiful camping spot.

>

> I am thinking about finding a part time job after I am through

> watching my granddaughters, around December or January. We will see?

>

> Just wanted to check in. Is there anyone else on Orencia?

>

> In case I don't have time to post again before the weekend, Happy

> Birthday Tess!

>

> Will let you know how it is going for those interested.

>

> in Central Oregon

[Guest guest]

It has been mentioned to me by another rheumy who used to treat me.

He said I would have to get the liver enzymes under control and other

blood work under control but I would be a candidate for it.

peace,

Ebony

--- In , " grannyfellx6 " <grannyfellx6@...>

wrote:

>

> I have just taken my 5th infusion of Orencia it has helped alot but

> hoping for more movement. I will be seeing my Rhuematologist in

> early August to discuss my progress. Since it is new no one really

> knows what to expect. It has reacted differently on me than any

> other drug I have taken. In the middle of the four weeks it seems

to

> back off a bit and then I do fine (weird). I really haven't had

> anytime to slow down since I have been on it so haven't really been

> able to tell how it is really working, but I am not having as much

> pain and stiffness. I worked in the kitchen at Vacation Bible

School

> (no time to set) and then I came home and made cookies and thing

for

> our camping trip over the fourth, I walked a lot and so ended up

with

> aching feet each night when I went to bed. The main thing is that

I

> can still make it camping. It was a beautiful camping spot.

>

> I am thinking about finding a part time job after I am through

> watching my granddaughters, around December or January. We will

see?

>

> Just wanted to check in. Is there anyone else on Orencia?

>

> In case I don't have time to post again before the weekend, Happy

> Birthday Tess!

>

> Will let you know how it is going for those interested.

>

> in Central Oregon

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

I just had my 4th treatment of Orencia and at the same time I am down to 3 mg of

Prednisone so I can only guess it is working, as this is a big step for me being

on it for many years . I actually felt a big difference when I had the first 3

treatments of Orencia within 4 wks. Then this one was a month since that time

and I don't feel that it working as well..but I still have hope!!!.

You will be on my mind as we share this Orencia journey together...Good Luck..

Joanne, PA

[Guest guest]

Hi Joanne, I had my 5th infusion (I think it was the 5th) I don't

think it is working as well this time. I am due to have another on

the 11th of August, so we will see. I will see my Rhuematologist

the 8th, so I will see what he thinks.

Hope it works for you.

in Central Oregon

[Guest guest]

Hi Joanne, I had my 5th infusion (I think it was the 5th) I don't

think it is working as well this time. I am due to have another on

the 11th of August, so we will see. I will see my Rhuematologist

the 8th, so I will see what he thinks.

Hope it works for you.

in Central Oregon

[Guest guest]

I have not been bale to lower my 15 mg of pred daily the whole time I have

been on Orencia.

Jill

On 6/4/06, aronandkathi <aksexton@...> wrote:

>

> Hi My name is Kathi and I was diagnosed with RA approx. 14 years ago.

> I have gone through SOOOO many meds that either just stopped working

> or I had allergic reactions to. I just finished up my loading dose

> of Orencia and I'm wondering if anyone out there is benefitting from

> this new biological med?? I seem to be feeling a bit better but still

> feel the need to take 5mg of prendisone daily along with several other

> meds. I have two small children (4yrs & 7 yrs)and need to limit my

> pain as much as possible to keep up with them and all the chores that

> come with. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

> Kathi

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

IHi,

just checked all emails today and I wanted to let you know that I am very new

to Orencia. I just had my first infusion two weeks ago and I really didn't have

too much of a problem with it. I did have some dizziness the first two days

after so if you are going to be driving or shopping maybe it would be a good

idea to make sure someone can be with you (I am not trying to scare anyone) Also

I noticed I had some trouble swallowing these past two weeks. I felt like there

was something at the base of my throat and I just couldn't swallow without

feeling like there was something stuck in my throat.....I called my

rheumotologist and he told me that he had a few people tell him the same thing.

He had me increase my prednisone dosage and two days later I had a really bad

flare up. I had to call him back and he said that he doesn't know why I would

get such a bad flare up after starting this treatment. So I had to increase my

prednisone dosage even more and he said that he was

going to start looking into finding out more about a stem cell transplant in

case these biological treatments are not going to work for me. So now I am even

more scared than ever thinking that Orencia is not even going to work for me and

I have another infusion tomorrow. But please let me know your progress as I am

very interested.l I don't think that there are too many of us out there that

have used this treatment and thanks for letting me unload my problems on you and

everyone else.

DONNA <DMEZZ23@...> wrote:

Has anyone taken Orencia? I am going to start Iv Orencia in about 2

weeks and would like to know what to expect, side effect-wise! Any

info would be greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am new to the group and am looking forward to sharing experiences and

support. I started Orencia in June after taking Remicade, Humira and

Enbrel . The first two helped for quite a while before symptoms returned

and Enbrel helped only slightly. I have also been taking MTX 22mg subq.

injections weekly . The Orencia is definitely helping. I have more

energy and much less pain. My shoulders, knees and feet still hurt

sometimes but not to the point of not being able to function. I am

pleased, so far, with the Orencia.

My only concern, recently, is I have noticed hair loss over the last

several weeks. I don't know if this is related to the medications or

not. Orencia does not have hair loss listed as a side effect. I know mtx

does but I have taken it so long and haven't changed the dose it doesn't

seem likely it is the cause.

I would love to hear any comments or other experiences with Orencia or

other medications.

> Has anyone taken Orencia? I am going to start Iv Orencia in

about 2

> weeks and would like to know what to expect, side effect-wise! Any

> info would be greatly appreciated.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi :

Welcome to the group! I am happy to hear that Orencia

is working well for you. About the hair loss, maybe

the combo of Mtx and Orencia is what is doing it, you

never know what side effects will pop up when you

start combining drugs. Or you could be the first with

this Orencia side-effect - the doctors don't know

everything.

I know that you will get a lot out of being a part of

this group, and we are happy to see you here. Take

care -

Kathe in CA

--- princessrosiedarling

<princessrosiedarling@...> wrote:

> Hi,

> I am new to the group and am looking forward to

> sharing experiences and

> support. I started Orencia in June after taking

> Remicade, Humira and

> Enbrel . The first two helped for quite a while

> before symptoms returned

> and Enbrel helped only slightly. I have also been

> taking MTX 22mg subq.

> injections weekly . The Orencia is definitely

> helping. I have more

> energy and much less pain. My shoulders, knees and

> feet still hurt

> sometimes but not to the point of not being able to

> function. I am

> pleased, so far, with the Orencia.

> My only concern, recently, is I have noticed hair

> loss over the last

> several weeks. I don't know if this is related to

> the medications or

> not. Orencia does not have hair loss listed as a

> side effect. I know mtx

> does but I have taken it so long and haven't changed

> the dose it doesn't

> seem likely it is the cause.

> I would love to hear any comments or other

> experiences with Orencia or

> other medications.

>

>

>

> > Has anyone taken Orencia? I am going to

> start Iv Orencia in

> about 2

> > weeks and would like to know what to expect, side

> effect-wise! Any

> > info would be greatly appreciated.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

> >

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Because I reacted to Enbrel, my Rheumy will be trying me on Orencia as

soon as Medicaid kicks in for me so perhaps we will be test rat

together. I'm game for it. Never give up. -Betz

[Guest guest]

Joy,

Like Enbrel and Humira, Orencia (abatacept) is a biologic. Unlike Enbrel and

Humira, which interfere with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Orencia disrupts

T-cell activation mechanisms.

Orencia (abatacept):

http://www.orencia.com

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Orencia

> Is Orencia in the same class of drugs as enbrel and humira?

> My doc said I can't take either enbrel or humira due to chronic

> sinus infection so I was wondering about this one.

>

>

> Joy

[Guest guest]

Thanks

Well she didn't mention that or remicaide so I guess I can't take either.

<Matsumura_Clan@...> wrote:

Joy,

Like Enbrel and Humira, Orencia (abatacept) is a biologic. Unlike Enbrel and

Humira, which interfere with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Orencia disrupts

T-cell activation mechanisms.

Orencia (abatacept):

http://www.orencia.com

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Orencia

> Is Orencia in the same class of drugs as enbrel and humira?

> My doc said I can't take either enbrel or humira due to chronic

> sinus infection so I was wondering about this one.

>

>

> Joy

Joy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Visit Joy's Homepage and Reading Room!

http://jhoormann-ivil.tripod.com

Come see My Dog Salsa!

http://www.geocities.com/jhoorm01/Salsa.html

[Guest guest]

Joy,

Yes, if she is thinking that Enbrel or Humira might not be a good idea for

you, Remicade would probably be out, too, especially since one receives a

relatively large dose of Remicade each time (and it would take a longer time

for your body to eliminate it than Enbrel or Humira).

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Re: [ ] Orencia

> Thanks

> Well she didn't mention that or remicaide so I guess I can't take either.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Marina, I am starting Orencia on Monday. I'll let you know my

experience with it.

Joanne

>

> Hey everyone. I had an appointment with my rheumatologist today. I

> hadn't seen him for over 4 months. He wants me to consider Orencia.

> I have all the info on it. Depending on how my bloodwork comes out

> will depend if I go on this. Has anyone been on it? If so, would you

> mind letting me know if you had any luck with and any problems with it?

> As I said, I have the PDR information and I have reviewed that. I

> know that it is an infusion, which doesn't thrill me. I have such

> terrible veins right now from all the drugs I was getting over the

> last year with all of my admissions. I think I had about 16

> admissions last year!! They should be naming a wing after me!! LOL.

> Please send me any info on your experience either here or privetly at

> my email. Thanks!! Hugss, marina

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I had one infusion of Orencia last July. I had a bad headache the next day,

and a " fluttering " sensation in my chest (irregular heartbeats??) for the

following two weeks. Although I cannot be 100% sure that it was the Orencia

that caused the fluttering, it was the only thing that had changed for me,

and therefore, I was too afraid to get the second dose. I went back to

Remicade.

I hope that was just my experience, but I wanted to pass it along.

Patty

[ ] Orencia

Hey everyone. I had an appointment with my rheumatologist today. I

hadn't seen him for over 4 months. He wants me to consider Orencia.

I have all the info on it. Depending on how my bloodwork comes out

will depend if I go on this. Has anyone been on it? If so, would you

mind letting me know if you had any luck with and any problems with it?

As I said, I have the PDR information and I have reviewed that. I

know that it is an infusion, which doesn't thrill me. I have such

terrible veins right now from all the drugs I was getting over the

last year with all of my admissions. I think I had about 16

admissions last year!! They should be naming a wing after me!! LOL.

Please send me any info on your experience either here or privetly at

my email. Thanks!! Hugss, marina

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info, Patty. Hopefully Joanne won't go through

that. Medications can do just about anything to you. I went on

Cymbalta for 3 weeks and ended up in renal failure. That isn't a

known side effect but it was the only change in my meds. It was

eniough for me to get off it!! Thanks again, Marina

--- In , " Patty Lightner " <palpsu89@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi,

> I had one infusion of Orencia last July. I had a bad headache the

next day,

> and a " fluttering " sensation in my chest (irregular heartbeats??)

for the

> following two weeks. Although I cannot be 100% sure that it was

the Orencia

> that caused the fluttering, it was the only thing that had changed

for me,

> and therefore, I was too afraid to get the second dose. I went

back to

> Remicade.

> I hope that was just my experience, but I wanted to pass it along.

> Patty

>

[Guest guest]

Hellon Group,

I just read about 2 people taking Orencia and was wondering do you

also take MTX?

I,m taking Remicade and MTX and losing hair. I must stay on the MTXto

get max results.

Do you have to take MTX with Orencia? What about Rituxan?

Sincerely,

Bunny

[Guest guest]

My Rhuemy said my insurance wouldn't approve orencia.

>

> Has anyone had luck with their insurance company covering Orencia for

PsA?

> Thanks,

> Rae

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat, I haven't tried Orencia yet...but just got a packet about it in the

mail. I'll be interested in hearing how it works for you, as nothing has worked

for me yet. I'm still trying Humira with everything else, but can't seem to

reduce the Pred dosage.

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat, I haven't tried Orencia yet...but just got a packet about it in the

mail. I'll be interested in hearing how it works for you, as nothing has worked

for me yet. I'm still trying Humira with everything else, but can't seem to

reduce the Pred dosage.