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Compare Orencia vs. Humira

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

Key takeaways

Orencia (abatacept) and Humira (adalimumab) are used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Orencia is available as an infusion or injection and is used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), among other conditions. Humira, on the other hand, is also available as an injection and treats a wider range of conditions, including RA, PsA, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. Orencia is typically given once a week or once a month, while Humira is usually administered every other week. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Humira also has a higher risk of causing certain cancers and nervous system effects. Additionally, Orencia can interfere with blood sugar readings in people with diabetes, which is not a concern with Humira.

Orencia (abatacept)
Humira (adalimumab)
Orencia (abatacept)
Humira (adalimumab)
Summary of Orencia vs. Humira
Summary for Biologic DMARD
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.
Summary for Biologic DMARD
Prescription only
Humira (adalimumab) is an injectable medication used for treating many different autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and plaque psoriasis. It's usually given every other week, and it can be used alone or taken with methotrexate or other non-biologic medications. This medication is available as many different brands (or biosimilars).
Indications of Orencia vs. Humira
Indications for

•Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults

•Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults

•Moderate-to-severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children ages 2 years and older

•Prevention of short-term graft versus host disease (GVHD) in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate in adults and children ages 2 years and older

Indications for

•Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only

•Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older

•Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only

•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only

•Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older

•Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older

•Plaque psoriasis - adults only

•Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older

•Uveitis - people age 2 and older
Pros and Cons of Orencia vs. Humira
Pros and Const for Biologic DMARD
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

Pros and Const for Biologic DMARD
Pros

•Can be used for many autoimmune conditions

•Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home

•Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)

•Only needs to be injected a couple times a month

•Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed

Cons

•Raises the risk of serious infections

•Might raise the risk of lymphoma and skin cancers

•Might be difficult to inject for some people

•Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication

•Contains rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy
Common Side Effects of Orencia vs. Humira
Common Side Effects for

•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.
Common Side Effects for

•Injection-site reaction (20%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)

•Headache (12%)

•Rash (12%)

•Sinus inflammation (11%)

•Accidental injury (10%)

•Nausea (9%)

•Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)
Warnings of Orencia vs. Humira
Common Side Effects for

•Risk of serious infections

•Severe allergic reactions

•Vaccines

•Worsening breathing problems

•Falsely high blood sugars

Common Side Effects for

•Serious infections

•Cancers

•Severe allergic reactions

•Nervous system effects

•Low blood cell counts

•Heart failure

•Live vaccines
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Compare Orencia vs. Humira

Key takeaways

Summary of Orencia vs. Humira

Indications of Orencia vs. Humira

Pros and Cons of Orencia vs. Humira

Common Side Effects of Orencia vs. Humira

Warnings of Orencia vs. Humira

Prices with our coupons for Orencia vs. Humira

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