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I have a rare hyper sensitive hypotension reaction to hydroxychloroquine and now Orencia. Looking for anyone else who has these issues? help

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

Diagnosed January/25. I’ve had a difficult time with medication. I have a very rare hyper sensitivity that creates hypotension, low blood pressure. It’s happened twice with two different medications last one two weeks ago with Orencia. Right now I’m just on 5 mg of prednisone. I need advice or help from anybody who has been in this situation. It is extremely rare from what I understand and I am very desperate for help. My rheumatologist actually told me, he doesn’t know what to say??

November 30, 2025
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A myRAteam Member

My hypersensitivity/hypotension was from the injection of Orencia it happened 13 hours after the injection and my blood pressure dropped 30 points. My rheumatologist is nonhelpful. He said he doesn’t know what to say… the other time this happened was on hydroxychloroquine and it was immediate so medication was stopped. I am very concerned and searching for any answers that anyone could give me.

November 30, 2025
myRAteam

Are you experiencing rare hypersensitivity reactions causing low blood pressure with hydroxychloroquine and Orencia?

It's understandable to feel frustrated when you're having such challenging reactions to RA medications. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur with various RA treatments, and infusion reactions to Orencia can Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing rare hypersensitivity reactions causing low blood pressure with hydroxychloroquine and Orencia?

It's understandable to feel frustrated when you're having such challenging reactions to RA medications. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur with various RA treatments, and infusion reactions to Orencia can include changes in blood pressure along with symptoms like itching, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or chills.

Since you're currently only on prednisone while sorting this out, it's important to work closely with your rheumatologist to find alternative treatment options. There are several other classes of RA medications available that work differently in the body, including:

* Other biologic DMARDs (like Remicade, Rituxan, or Actemra)
* JAK inhibitors
* Different traditional DMARDs like methotrexate or azathioprine

Each medication targets the immune system differently, so having reactions to two specific drugs doesn't mean you'll react to all RA treatments.

Given how rare your situation is, you might benefit from asking your rheumatologist about:

* Referral to an allergist or immunologist who specializes in medication hypersensitivity
* Slower infusion rates or premedication protocols if trying other infused biologics
* Self-injectable biologics rather than infusions
* A second opinion from another rheumatologist at an academic medical center

Your safety comes first, and finding the right treatment may take some trial and adjustment.

November 30, 2025

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