Humira vs Orencia
 | Humira |  | Orencia |  |
| This medication is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid, psoriatic, and ankylosing spondylitis). This medication is also used to treat psoriasis (plaque-type). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy, including this type of medication (TNF blockers), helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. This medication is also used to treat certain bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). It is used in cases that are moderate to severe and/or keep coming back. | This medication is used alone or with other medications (e.g., methotrexate) to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's own defense system (immune system) attacks the healthy tissues around the joints. It is usually used when other medications for rheumatoid arthritis are not successful in controlling the disease. Abatacept helps slow joint damage and reduce the joint pain/swelling so you can move better. It works by weakening your immune system and decreasing swelling (inflammation). | |||
Alternatives
Reviews
| Add Humira review I took humira following six months treatment with methotrexate and plaquenil. I found myself sitting in the recliner unable to move. I have never suffered from headaches but I found myself nursing a 24 hour headache for an entire two weeks. I also never actually slept because I couldn't stop peeing. My kidneys were in overdrive. Yes my body didn't hurt as much, but what this drug did to my kidneys, brain, and mental state leaves something to be desired. I am afraid of the long term effects of this medication. Shortly after taking Humira, histoplasmosis raged through her body, leading to sepsis and she ended up on life support. While the makers of Humira ask doctors to test their patients for tuberculosis, they do not test for histoplasmosis. This lack of proactive testing for histoplasmosis needs to be corrected. She has had two brain bleeds and strokes since the sepsis. While the TV ads talk about 'discussing with your doctor if you've been to an area of the world where certain fungal diseases may be present....'I believe it's not sufficient. My daughter grew up in the Minnesota River Vallel in SC Minnesota. Hardly what comes to mind when the doctor asks you about travel to "fungal areas." My daughter's life will never be the same. | Add Orencia review Have had RA for more than 20 years but since menopause it became much worse. Have used Enbrel and Humara Methotraxate etc. Methotraxate created liver issues and Enbrel worked well for more than 5 years. Orencia IV worked great for 2 years; the shots did not work. Now it is no longer working so we are going to a different drug hoping something else will work. I have been battling with this for about 10 years now..this has been the best product I have used. I also don't like the weight gain..but it's nice to not be swollen and in pain all the time. I still have flair ups, but it's well worth it. | |||
