Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Orencia seems to be the MAGIC drug for me!! I've been on the Orencia infusions for six months now, and I am finally getting some quality of life back. I am also on sulfasalazine, methotrexate, prednisone, and folic acid. I tried Enbrel and Humira and got nothing from them. Don't give up hope people.

I was at the point where I couldn't even get out of bed, and now I can go and enjoy an afternoon at the park with my kids. I am going today for an infusion..keepin my fingers crossed that MAYBE I can start dropping my dose of prednisone! Anyhow...thought I'd share my good experience with this drug.

I am so excited for you! I just started on Orencia last week after trying almost everything else that is out there. I've had bad reactions to everything else so far and I am currently still on prednisone for about 15 months, and arava (DMARD). I have big hopes for Orencia. Your message gives me hope!

hi Emmie, welcome back and thanks for the update. that is great the orencia is working so well for you. i'll keep my fingers crossed it continues.

BBW, welcome to the group. let's hope it works for you too. Sounds like you''ve tried quite a bit already with little success.

Hugs to you both.

Emmie,

Thanks for posting this one. Today is one of those days that I have been throwing myself a pity party. I have a lot of good days but some really not good days in between. I at times doubt that my meds are working at all but worry that my doctors will think I am whining and over exaggerating my symptoms. I added Sulfasalazine to my arsenal two months ago along with Methotrexate, Plaquenil, Medrol, Folic Acid, Tramadol, and Flexeril. I also take a few others to treat lupus migraines, high blood pressure, and Raynaud's Syndrome.

I didn't mean to vent, but I guess I needed to let it go. I really just wanted to say thank you for giving me hope.

I pray for you to have many good days!!!

Mochajava

You do not sound like you are whining at all. I think you may have a lot more to go until you sound like it. Let it go.

-Amber

Emmie and BB that is great! It always encourages me to hear these stories. Hugs

I was on Orencia just recently, but I had to get a PICC line, because my viens don't show. It worked really well for me too! I couldn't stand the PICC line....I got it out. Back to the drawing board.

Anyone else have a PICC line for IV infusions?

Hey guys! Here it is only a few months later, and Orencia is still working for me. Only, I'm having some trouble with elevated liver function. I will be going for a liver biopsy thursday to find out if this is medication related. The doctor doesn't seen to think it is...but we'll know for sure soon. Otherwise...the med is still doing fabulous things for me.

Hi guys,

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had bad reactions to infusions? I have tried Enbrel injections, Remicade infusions and Orencia infusions and I had violent vomitting 3 days afterwards. I'm very frustrated. I am back on Humira injections which so far seem to be working ok, at least i'm not throwing up, but I don't know how effective the medication is since my hands are still swollen. I also don't know if it will build up in my system and cause the same side effects as the rest. I just can't take the nausea and vomitting. It totally disrupts my life and I'm useless for days. Has anyone else experienced this?

I had a reaction to Enbrel. But it never made me sick to my stomach. In fact I felt 100% great.

My reaction was infections. Three in the 4 inj sites (Cellulitis). Hospita stay 5 days. Then a few weeks later double fungal and bacterial pneumonia...hospital stay 10 days.

Needless to say, no more Enbrel and rheumy does not want to try other biologicals.

bb, did you have any meds for nausea, especially suppository form? Like you, I don't think I could take the vomiting part. Now, when I used MTX in oral form It made me terribly nauseous. Whereas the shots rarely do.

I hope your meds at present continue working.

I have a question...did your other med (the one that caused vomiting) begin immediately or did they build up?

Hugs dear