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Orencia vs. Remicade

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

Key takeaways

Orencia (abatacept) and Remicade (infliximab) are used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Orencia is available as an injection under the skin or an IV infusion, while Remicade is only given as an IV infusion by a healthcare provider. Orencia is used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and preventing graft-versus-host disease. On the other hand, Remicade treats a broader range of conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, and severe plaque psoriasis. Orencia can be used in children as young as 2 years old for certain conditions, while Remicade is approved for children 6 years and older for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Remicade has a higher risk of serious side effects, including infections, cancer, and heart problems, compared to Orencia. Additionally, Orencia can be self-administered at home, but Remicade requires administration in a clinical setting.

Orencia

(abatacept)

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Remicade

(infliximab)

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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 Remicade

Prescription only

Remicade (infliximab) is an injectable medication used to treat many autoimmune conditions, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It's given through an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider.

Indications for Remicade

  • Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)
  • Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
  • Severe plaque psoriasis (PsO)

Pros and Cons for Remicade

Pros

  • Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
  • Typically only needs to be given every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Can be used in children 6 years of age and older for UC and CD

Cons

  • Can only be given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional
  • Can cause a lot of side effects
  • Brand name only, which can be expensive

Common Side Effects for Remicade

  • Infections
  • Nausea
  • Infusion-related reactions (e.g., headache, flushing, shortness of breath, rash)
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Rash
  • Bronchitis
  • Indigestion
  • Tiredness
  • General pain
  • Joint pain

Warnings for Remicade

  • Serious or deadly infections
  • Cancer
  • Liver problems and liver failure
  • Heart problems
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Nervous system problems
  • Medications to avoid

Prices with our coupons for Orencia vs. Remicade

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
Remicade4 vials / 100mg
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