myRAteam

Switching from Remicade to Orencia is a path some people with RA take, and it's completely understandable to want to know what to expect. Orencia works differently from Remicade — instead of targeting an inflammatory protein, it blocks a specific interaction between immune cells (called costimulation) to reduce inflammation Show Full Answer

Switching from Remicade to Orencia is a path some people with RA take, and it's completely understandable to want to know what to expect. Orencia works differently from Remicade — instead of targeting an inflammatory protein, it blocks a specific interaction between immune cells (called costimulation) to reduce inflammation at its source.

Here are some key things myRAteam members and others have noted about Orencia:

- Patience is key — improvements may take up to 3 months or more to notice, so don't be discouraged if results aren't immediate
- Initial dosing is more frequent — doses are typically given at the start, then at 2 weeks, and again at 4 weeks before moving to a regular schedule
- It can be given as an IV infusion or as a self-injection — so there's some flexibility depending on your preference
- Side effects can include increased risk of infections, such as upper respiratory, skin, or urinary tract infections, since it works by calming the immune system

It's worth keeping an open line of communication with your rheumatologist during the transition. If something doesn't feel right or you're not seeing improvement, speak up — they can adjust the approach.

Hang in there! Switching medications can feel uncertain, but many people do find their footing with a new treatment. 💙

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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