Difference between Humira and Orencia?

Humira is a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNF-inhibitor). TNF is a protein made by the white blood cells in the immune system. TNF can boost the immune response and kill certain cancer cells, according to the National Cancer Institute. But in RA, TNF can cause joint swelling and damage.

Humira is injected. It is also often used with drugs such as methotrexate.

Orenica, on the other hand, is a "T cell co-stimulation modulator," which just means that is blocks T-cell activation. The T-cells are cells in the immune system that attack infected cells, foreign cells and cancer cells, according to the National Cancer Institute. The T-cells also help regulate the immune response. In RA, we know that the immune system is attacking the joints.

Orencia is also injected and it might also be used with other medications, BUT NOT with TNF-inhibitors like Humira.

They are both trying to accomplish the same thing, but in different ways.