Monday, March 24, 2008
I am taking Orencia and have had 4 infusions so far. I am also on several other medicines like methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and some pain relievers. I switched from Remicaide mostly because I wanted to start working again and with the short infusion time Orencia could be administered during my lunch break with far less intrusion on my work responsibilities than the 4 hours needed for my Remicaide infusion. I had no problems with Remicaide other than the long infustion time was intrusive on my work life. When I was on Remicaide (along with my other RA meds) I was able to hike two miles up a mountain into the Colorado Wilderness, carrying a 40 lb backpack, camp in a tent for a week with my husband and hike back out. Needless to say it was working great (in combination with my other meds). And please don't take this lightly as I have very active RA which had me in a wheelchair when I was first diagnosed in 2003. Anyway, Orencia has been working to some extent, but I have had some side effects which I'm thinking may be attributed to the Orencia. Besides headaches, I have had a problem with my internal temperature guage. Meaning, at 72 degrees F room temperature I find the need to wear a big wooly sweater and socks, but previously would have just worn a polo and flipflops (besides my jeans, etc.). I tend to run more to the cold and can't seem to warm up but occasionaly I run hot and need to step outside to cool down. I am 55 years old and have already gone through menopause so its not the hot flash thing. And this problem seems to have deveoped around the time I started with the Orencia. I was wondering if anyone else has been experiencing this with Orencia or is something else going on with me? Regarding how it works on my arthritis, I think I have a bit more joint pain than with the Remicaide, but I also have more energy,...so which do you want less pain less energy or slight pain but more energy,....(?)
I am sorry you are having so many problems with the Orencia, and I definitely understand your decision to switch gtom the Remicade. I haven't actually been on the Orencia, but it is the one that I have chosen to be on when I can afford it. I have, however did a lot of research about it (It's something I love to do, especially with my medications!). I know that headaches are a side effect, but if they become severe you should call your doctor. I found a site for you that tells a little bit about it:
http://www.drugs.com/orencia.html
As far as the internal body temperature is it more like hot/cold flashes, or chills like you have a fever? It is is chills then I would definitely call my rheumatologist.
If it is indeed your internal body temperature, it is a side effect of Orencia. I have found a site that has a very cpmplete list of side effects, and feeling cold and/or hot is one of them. The site is in pdf form though, but here is the link:
http://www.bmscanada.ca/upload/File/pdf/products/ORENCIA_E_PM_4%20Jan%2008_APP_CLN.pdf
I hope this helps, and I also hope you get to feeling better. Please keep us updated on how you are doing, and how the Orencia is working for you. Good luck and best wishes!
Thanks for the heads-up on the site regarding the body temp. regulation! Gosh, I'll bet a person can find almost anything in that list! I guess I had been to that site before, but I apparently didn't look in the right area. I found the symptom in there this time though. You are quite observant! I have an appointment with my Rheumatologist tomorrow, so together we will be able to work out what we want to do as we move forward.
I appreciate your help and great outlook on things! Hang in there! Sincerely,.......