Orencia has been evaluated for
rheumatoid arthritis in several different studies. In these studies, Orencia was given to people who had unsuccessfully tried various other
rheumatoid arthritis medications. In these studies, people who took Orencia had fewer tender or swollen joints and were better able to perform their usual daily activities (such as walking, eating, or dressing), compared to people who did not take the drug. Orencia also slowed down the structural damage to the joints.
Because Orencia targets a specific part of the immune system, it is called a "biological response modifier" because it changes (modifies) the body's immune response. It is also known as a "biologic" medication because it is made out of parts of cells or proteins.
Using Orencia in Children
Orencia is not approved for treating rheumatoid
arthritis in children (often known as
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Orencia for treating something other than rheumatoid arthritis. Currently,
off-label uses for Orencia include the treatment of various autoimmune conditions, such as:
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