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Orencia vs. Actemra

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Orencia (abatacept) and Actemra (tocilizumab) are used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Orencia works by blocking certain proteins and processes in cells to lower inflammation, while Actemra blocks a chemical that causes inflammation and fever. Orencia is available as an injection, typically given weekly or monthly. Actemra can also be given as an injection or infusion, but its dosing schedule varies from weekly to every few weeks depending on the condition. Actemra has a biosimilar called Tofidence, which offers more options for treatment. Both medications raise the risk of infections, but Actemra also has warnings for liver problems and high cholesterol. Orencia is not known to cause liver issues.

Orencia

(abatacept)

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Actemra

(tocilizumab)

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Summary for Orencia

Prescription only

Orencia (abatacept) is an injectable biologic medication used for different types of autoimmune arthritis (joint inflammation), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It's given as an injection under the skin once a week or as an infusion through the veins (IV) in the clinic once a month. Common side effects include infection, headache, and dizziness.

Indications for Orencia

Pros and Cons for Orencia

Pros

  • Can be used in children age 2 years and older (for certain conditions)
  • Comes as a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy at-home injections
  • Clinic infusions are available for people who don't like to give themselves injections and are generally given only once a month
  • SQ injections are given once weekly and IV infusions are given once monthly

Cons

  • Raises your risk for infections because it weakens your immune system
  • Can't be used with other biologic medications because higher risk of infection
  • Can take 3 to 6 months to notice an improvement in your symptoms (for arthritis)
  • Only treats the symptoms and isn't a cure for inflammatory problems

Common Side Effects for Orencia

  • Headache (18%)
  • Sore throat, runny nose, or other cold-like symptoms (12%)
  • Dizziness (9%)
  • Cough (8%)
  • Back pain (7%)
  • High blood pressure (7%)
  • Upset stomach (6%)
  • Pain while urinating and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (6%)

Please note: The side effects above were reported by adults who received Orencia (abatacept) for rheumatoid arthritis. The side effects you experience might be different if you're taking Orencia (abatacept) for a different condition or if you're injecting it under the skin.

Warnings for Orencia

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Vaccines
  • Worsening breathing problems
  • Falsely high blood sugars

Summary for Actemra

Prescription only

Actemra (tocilizumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. It treats several inflammatory conditions in children and adults, including rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking IL-6, a chemical released by the immune system that causes inflammation and fever. Actemra (tocilizumab) is given as an injection (either through the veins or under the skin), typically weekly or every few weeks, depending on the condition you're taking it treat. Side effects include a higher risk of infections and headache.

Indications for Actemra

Pros and Cons for Actemra

Pros

  • Typically given every 1 to 4 weeks
  • Can be used in children age 2 years and older (for some conditions)
  • Comes as a prefilled syringe or autoinjector for easy at-home injections under the skin

Cons

  • Needs to be given by an injection only
  • Can cause liver problems
  • Raises your risk for infections because it weakens your immune system

Common Side Effects for Actemra

Note: The side effects you experience might differ depending on why you're taking Actemra (tocilizumab) and whether you're receive it IV or SC.

Warnings for Actemra

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Stomach tears and blockage
  • Worsening liver problems and risk of liver failure
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Lower white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts
  • High cholesterol
  • Vaccines

Prices with our coupons for Orencia vs. Actemra

Price Card Drug Icon
Orencia1 carton / 4 clickject autoinjectors of 125mg/ml
$5,539.00$7,445.71
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Price Card Drug Icon
Actemra1 vial / 4ml of 20mg/ml
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