I will be going to the infusion center for an Orencia infusion sometime in July. Any tips? I have never had an infusion and am wondering if I need someone to drive me home? Does it take a long time? Does it make you sick or just tired or what? Thanks for any info! My doc is changing me from Humira to Orencia. Said first infusion, then weekly shots.
Hi V!
Out of the 4 bios I have been on I have found Orencia to be the easiest. Like Berserker said, its a short infusion compared to some. I have never had any sort of reaction to it. Sometimes I am really fatigued the following day, but not always, so that may just be the RA. You do not need a driver for the Orencia, BUT, if you opt to have Benedryl before the IV you may want someone to take you as it can make you very drowsy. I take allergy meds already, so I do not need it. Most Infusion centers want you to take it if you do not take allergy meds just to ward off any chance of an allergic reaction, this is the same with all the infusions. I really hope it works well for you!
Sounds just like me, V! My Rheumy didnt want to waste time with another TNF either, fail one fail them all is his motto! I cant say Orencia is a magic bullet for me, but it does make a difference. This is the best bio results I have had, this is my 4th one. I had real high pain levels as well, tones it down, and it did take my inflammation down for sure. Sure hope it works for you!
I'm with Brad btw -- no magic there, but I could definitely tell I was taking it.
Good luck V!
Hey V,
It takes about 40 minutes for the infusion + whatever the standard setup time is at your infusion center. No need for a driver or anything like that -- it was the easiest med to infuse that I've had.
Thanks, Bezerka,
That isn't too long. Great! Probably take about an hour total then. I have never been to the infusion center, so I don't really know their set up time. Hope it works!
Blessings,
V
Here's hoping it works!!
Yeah, my total time used to range from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on needle load. It was easy peasy.
I had my infusion yesterday. It is the fastest infustion of all of the infusion meds. I no longer take Benadryl with it. This is an individual choice. I did had a reaction with Remicade and did have to take it. You may be more tired. This is individual.
I would just say to make sure that you wear comfortable clothes and bring a book or maagazine then before you know it , you are done. You should be able to drive again,unless you take Benadryl. Drink lots of fluids.
I hope that you find relief and that it works well for you.
Have a painfree day today and always.
Julie
Hi Vanessa,
I am on Orencia and I have an infusion every month. It usually takes about 30mins. to an hour for the infusion. If you don't mind needles than it's really nothing to worry about. I drive myself and I don't have any adverse affects to it. Before beginning Orencia I was on Remicade(also an infusion) but I had an allergic reaction to it so my rheumy put me on Orencia and have been fine ever since. Good luck with your infusions hope it works for you as well as it did for me.
Thanks, Julie. I ended up getting sick from Neurontin and then getting Thrush, so I probably won't get my infusion til the second week in July now. My shots are supposed to be here this coming Tuesday, and then I can schedule the infusion they said. They told me to get the infusion one day, and take my first shot the next day. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Going to make sure I am rid of this Thrush first!
V
Hi V,
If you've started your infusions by now, you already know the answer to some of your questions. I was taking the infusions from December, 2011 to this past May. I had to stop because the assistance program that was helping with my co-pays ran out of funds :( I've had RA for almost 4 years and the Orencia infusions were the best thing that ever happened to me! I felt an amazing relief after the 3rd. They were only 30 minutes long for me and I never had any side effects. I hope you experience good results with no side efffects.
Best of luck, Kathy
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Hi, Brad!
So....is Orencia working well for you? My doc didn't want to try any other TNF inhibitors. She thinks that would be a waste of time and I wouldn't get much relief. Tell you the truth, I have been suffering at a level 8 pain for about two weeks now, even w/prednisone. Looking forward to trying something that will work. Thanks so much for the info!
V