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Orencia
from eMedTV.comGeneral considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- Orencia is taken by IV. The first three doses are given every two weeks; after that, they are given once every four weeks.
- You will probably receive your Orencia IV at your healthcare provider's office or at an infusion center. The IV takes about 30 minutes, but the entire process usually lasts awhile longer, due to paperwork, waiting, and preparation for the IV.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Orencia will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Orencia that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your weight
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is the case with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Orencia Dosage for more information.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Orencia. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Orencia include, but are not limited to:
- Infections
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Cough.
(Click Orencia Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD