Hello,
I am a 63yr old Dx'd with RA+ILD in 04/07. Have been receiving IV infusions of 750mg abatacept since 01/09 along with daily, oral 5mg pred. and IA pred. PRN, usually 40mg in hands/fingers at least every 3 mos.
I've flared pretty badly within 48hrs following my last two infusions and am now at day #8 post infusion with swelling, stiffness and much pain in hands, fingers, knees and feet. Don't want to bump up the oral pred as my BGL's are in the 125-135 range as it is and I tend to get rather nasty (understatement) when on higher doses of oral pred.
Anyone on biologics experience flaring after infusion? I thought one was supposed to feel so much better following these infusions. The only time I ever actually feel real relief is following a pred injection. I can then function almost normally for 2-3 mos., so my problem is that I don't know if the abatacept is even working for me since I usually have a pretty decent steady plasma state of pred on board as well.
your question has a lot of technical/medical information - none of us who answer questions here are doctors, so keep in mind that answers are based in personal experience. That said, as far as I understand, experiencing joint pain is fairly normal following the dose of biologic medication, but it should subside. That yours isn't seems to indicate Orencia isn't working as it should. I would recommend you go back to your rheumatologist and discuss treatment options. The good news is that there are a number of medications out there that may work better for you. Have you tried the self injections like Enbrel and Humira? if not, it may be an idea to look into it.
Good luck!