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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)

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Humira

(adalimumab)

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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 Humira

Prescription only

Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.

Indications for Humira

Pros and Cons for Humira

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
  • Can take a few weeks or longer to work
  • Might be difficult to inject for some people
  • Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
  • Might contain rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy

Common Side Effects for Humira

  • 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%)

Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.

Warnings for Humira

  • Serious infections
  • Cancers
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Nervous system effects
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Heart failure
  • Lupus-like syndrome
  • Live vaccines

Prices with our coupons for Orencia vs. Humira

Price Card Drug Icon
Orencia1 carton / 4 clickject autoinjectors of 125mg/ml
$5,779.50$7,445.71
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Price Card Drug Icon
Humira1 carton / 2 pens of 40mg/0.4ml
$6,732.44$8,067.99
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