Abatacept (Orencia)
Abatacept (Orencia) is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agent (DMARD) used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. It is often prescribed in combination with other DMARDs, like methotrexate but it can be used as monotherapy.
Abatacept is used to lessen inflammatory symptoms such as swelling, pain and stiffness and prevent damage. Abatacept works by attaching to the surface of inflammatory cells blocking communication during inflammation. By blocking this communication, abatacept lessens the signs and symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.
How To Take It
Abatacept is available either by infusion or injection under the skin. The infusion is given intravenously (through a needle placed in a vein) at 0, 2 and 4 weeks, then monthly thereafter in your doctor's office or at an infusion center. The dosage is adjusted according to the patient's weight. The injectable form of abatacept is injected using a needle and syringe device under the skin at home once a week. Some patients feel relief within the first month of treatment, but it usually takes three months of continuous treatment to get the full effect of the medication.
Side Effects
The most common side effects reported were those associated with headaches, common colds, sore throat, and nausea. Rarely, patients may develop infusion reactions while receiving abatacept including severe allergic reactions, hives, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. Nurses will monitor you and your vital signs throughout the infusion. Pre-medications such as Tylenol or Benadryl can be used preventively and can be discussed with your doctor.
The most important side effect is the risk of developing a serious infection, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and others.
It is not yet clear if the risk of cancer is higher in patients on abatacept compared to patients with other drugs. Nevertheless, larger reports should demonstrate if there is any trend of possible cancer risk.
Monitoring by your rheumatologist is necessary while taking this medication and lab monitoring may be needed periodically as well.
Using two biologic drugs (such as TNF-alpha blockers and abatacept) at the same time carries high risk of developing serious infections. Patients who have previously received another biologic drug, such as a TNF-alpha blocker, may receive abatacept after the first drug has been stopped.
Patients with diabetes mellitus should be aware that sugars in the infusion form of abatacept may cause false high blood sugar levels. Additionally, individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be monitored closely as the medication has been noted to increase the risk of worsening COPD. You should discuss with your physician how to properly monitor this.
Tell Your Rheumatology Provider
Patients who have been exposed to people with suspected serious infections, such as tuberculosis, should notify their rheumatology providers before taking abatacept. All patients should be tested for tuberculosis before starting abatacept. Other laboratory tests may be required as well. Patients displaying symptoms of an infection-including fever, cough, or others-should notify their rheumatology provider.
Patients should not receive live vaccines while receiving abatacept and should consult their rheumatologist before receiving a live vaccine afterwards.
Risks in pregnant women are still being studied.
Updated June 2026 by Fotios Koumpouras, MD, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.
This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment of a medical or health condition.