Product Information for the User
ORENCIA50mg Pre-filled Syringe
ORENCIA87,5mg Pre-filled Syringe
ORENCIA125mg Pre-filled Syringe
abatacept
Please read this entire product information carefully before starting to use this medication, as it contains important information for you.
1.What is ORENCIA and how is it used
2.What you need to know before starting to use ORENCIA
3.How to use ORENCIA
4.Possible adverse effects
5.Storage of ORENCIA
6.Contents of the package and additional information
ORENCIA contains the active ingredient abatacept, a protein obtained through cell cultures. ORENCIA reduces the immune system's attack on normal tissues by interfering with immune cells (called T lymphocytes) that contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. ORENCIA selectively modulates the activation of T lymphocytes that participate in the inflammatory response of the immune system.
ORENCIA is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis in adults, as well as polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children aged 2 years and older.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, long-term systemic disease that, if left untreated, can have severe consequences, such as joint destruction, increased disability, and inability to perform daily activities. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the body's own immune system attacks normal tissues, producing pain and swelling in the joints, which can damage the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects each person differently. In most people, joint symptoms develop gradually over several years. However, in some patients, RA can progress rapidly, and others may have RA for a limited period and then enter a period of remission. RA is usually a chronic (long-term), progressive disease. This means that, although you receive treatment, you may still have symptoms, and RA could continue to damage your joints. With the best treatment plan for you, you may be able to delay this disease process, which could help reduce long-term joint damage, as well as pain and fatigue, and improve your overall quality of life.
ORENCIA is used to treat active moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis when you do not respond sufficiently to treatment with other disease-modifying medications or with another group of medications called "tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors." It is used in combination with a medication called methotrexate.
ORENCIA can also be used with methotrexate to treat progressive rheumatoid arthritis and high-activity rheumatoid arthritis without prior methotrexate treatment.
ORENCIA is used for:
Psiatic Arthritis
Psiatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease, usually accompanied by psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease. If you have active psoriatic arthritis, you will first be given other medications. If you do not respond sufficiently well to these medications, you may be administered ORENCIA to:
ORENCIA alone or in combination with methotrexate is used to treat psoriatic arthritis.
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a long-term inflammatory disease that affects one or more joints in children and adolescents.
ORENCIA prefilled syringe is used in children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years when a previous treatment with a disease-modifying medication has not worked well or is not suitable for them. ORENCIA is usually used in combination with methotrexate, although ORENCIA can also be used alone if methotrexate treatment is inadequate.
ORENCIA is used for:
Do not use ORENCIA
Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse:
Your doctor may also perform blood tests to examine your blood values.
Children and adolescents
ORENCIA injectable solution in pre-filled syringe has not been studied in children and adolescents under 2years. Therefore, the use of ORENCIA injectable solution in pre-filled syringe is not recommended in this patient population.
Using ORENCIA with other medications
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have used recently, or may need to use any other medication.
ORENCIA should not be usedwith biologic medications for rheumatoid arthritis, including TNF inhibitors such as adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab; there is insufficient evidence to recommend its administration with anakinra and rituximab.
ORENCIA can be usedwith other medications commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as steroids or analgesics, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or diclofenac.
Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication while using ORENCIA.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The effects of ORENCIA on pregnancy are unknown, therefore do not use ORENCIA if you are pregnant unless your doctor recommends it explicitly.
The passage of ORENCIA into breast milk is unknown.You should stop breastfeedingif you are being treated with ORENCIA for 14weeks after the last dose.
Driving and operating machinery
It is not expected that the use of ORENCIA will affect your ability to drive, ride a bike, or use machines. However, if you feel tired or unwell after receiving ORENCIA, do not drive, ride a bike, or operate any machinery.
ORENCIA contains sodium
This medication contains less than 1mmol of sodium (23mg) per dose, that is, essentially "sodium-free".
Follow exactly the administration instructions of this medication indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.
ORENCIA injectable solution is injected under the skin (subcutaneously).
Recommended dose in adults
The recommended dose of ORENCIA for adults with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis is 125 mg per week regardless of weight.
Your doctor may start your treatment with ORENCIA with or without a single dose of powder for concentrate for solution for infusion (which is administered in the vein, usually in the arm, for a period of 30 minutes). If you are administered a single intravenous dose to start treatment, the first subcutaneous injection of ORENCIA should be administered within a day from the IV infusion, followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of 125 mg.
ORENCIA can be used in adults over 65 years without changing the dose.
Use in children and adolescents
For patients 2 to 17 years old with juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis, the recommended weekly dose of ORENCIA injectable solution in pre-filled syringe is based on the patient's body weight:
Dose of ORENCIA per week | ||
Patient's body weight | Dose | |
10 kg or less than 25 kg | 50 mg | |
25 kg to less than 50 kg | 87.5 mg | |
50 kg or more | 125 mg |
If you are already receiving ORENCIA intravenously and want to switch to ORENCIA subcutaneously, you should receive a subcutaneous injection instead of your next intravenous infusion, followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of ORENCIA.
Your doctor will inform you about the duration of treatment and which other medications, including other disease-modifying medications, if any, you may continue to take while on ORENCIA treatment.
At the beginning, your doctor or nurse may inject ORENCIA for you. However, you and your doctor may decide that you can inject ORENCIA yourself. In this case, you will be instructed on how to inject ORENCIA yourself.
Consult your doctor if you have any doubts about administering the injection. You will find detailed instructions for preparing and administering ORENCIA at the end of this leaflet (see“Important use instructions”).
If you use more ORENCIA than you should
If this happens, contact your doctor immediately, who will monitor you for any signs or symptoms of adverse effects and treat them if necessary.
If you forgot to use ORENCIA
Keep track of your next dose. It is very important to use ORENCIA exactly as your doctor tells you. If you forgot your dose within three days of when it was due, administer the dose as soon as you remember and then follow your original dosing schedule on the chosen day. If you forget your dose for more than three days, ask your doctor when to administer the next dose.
If you interrupt ORENCIA treatment
The decision to interrupt ORENCIA treatment should be discussed with your doctor.
If you have any other questions about the use of this medication,ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The most common side effects that occur with ORENCIA are upper respiratory tract infections (including nose and throat infections), headaches, and nausea. ORENCIA can cause serious side effects that may require treatment.
Possible serious side effectsinclude severe infections, malignant neoplasms (cancer), and allergic reactions, as listed below.
Inform your doctor immediatelyif you notice any of the following symptoms:
Inform your doctor immediatelyif you notice any of the following:
The symptoms described above may be signs of the side effects listed below, which have been observed with ORENCIA in clinical trials in adults:
List of side effects:
Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10patients):
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10patients):
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100patients):
Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1000patients):
Children and adolescents with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
The side effects in children and adolescents with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis are similar to those experienced in adults, as described above, with the following differences:
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10patients):
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100patients):
Reporting of side effects
If you experience any type of side effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible side effect that does not appear in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the national notification system included in Appendix V. By reporting side effects, you can contribute to providing more information about the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medication out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medication after the expiration date that appears on the label after EXP and on the packaging after CAD. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.
Store in refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze.
Store in the original packaging to protect it from light.
Do not use this medication if the liquid is cloudy or discolored, or has large particles. The liquid should be colorless to pale yellow.
Medicines should not be disposed of through drains or in the trash. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medications you no longer need. This will help protect the environment.
ORENCIA50mg injectable solution in pre-filled syringe
ORENCIA87.5mg injectable solution in pre-filled syringe
ORENCIA125mg injectable solution in pre-filled syringe
Appearance of the product and contents of the pack
ORENCIA injectable solution (injection) is a clear, colourless to pale yellow solution.
ORENCIA is available in the following presentations:
ORENCIA50mg injectable solution in pre-filled syringe with white plunger
ORENCIA87.5mg injectable solution in pre-filled syringe with light blue plunger
ORENCIA125mg injectable solution in pre-filled syringe with orange plunger
Only some pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing authorisation holder
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG
Plaza 254
Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2
Dublin 15, D15 T867
Ireland
Responsible person for manufacturing
CATALENT ANAGNI S.R.L.
Loc. Fontana del Ceraso snc
Strada Provinciale 12 Casilina, 41
03012 Anagni (FR)
Italy
Swords Laboratories Unlimited Company t/a Bristol-Myers Squibb Cruiserath Biologics
Cruiserath Road, Mulhuddart
Dublin 15
Ireland
Last update date of this leaflet
Other sources of information
The detailed information on this medicine is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.
Important instructions for use. Read carefully.
HOW TO USE
ORENCIA 50mg
ORENCIA 87.5mg
ORENCIA 125mg
injectable solution in pre-filled syringe with needle guard
Abatacept
Subcutaneous route
Read these instructions before using ORENCIA pre-filled syringe.
Before using the pre-filled syringe for the first time, make sure your doctor, nurse or pharmacist has shown you how to use it.
Keep the pre-filled syringe refrigerated until you are ready to use it.DO NOT FREEZE.
If you have any questions about this product, please read the leaflet.
BEFORE YOU START:
Get to know the pre-filled syringe
There are3types of pre-filled syringes:
The type of pre-filled syringe you will receive depends on the dose prescribed by your doctor. The 125mg/ml pre-filled syringe is shown below.
Before use
After use
The pre-filled syringe has anextender plungerthat makes it easier to hold and inject, and aneedle guardthat automatically covers the needle after the injection is complete.
DO NOTremove the needle cap until you are ready to inject.
DO NOTpull the plunger back at any time.
DO NOTput the needle cap back on the pre-filled syringe at any time, as this may damage, bend or break the needle.
Always hold the pre-filled syringe by the barrel.
Proceed to Step 1
Step1: Preparing for the injection of ORENCIA
Assemble everything you need for your injection on a clean and flat surface.
In the pack, you will only find the pre-filled syringe:
Let the pre-filled syringe come to room temperature.
Take a pre-filled syringe out of the fridge and wait30minutesfor it to reach room temperature.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prepare for the injection.
Proceed to Step2
Step2: Examine the pre-filled syringe
Hold the pre-filled syringe by the barrel with the needle cap pointing downwards as shown.
Check the liquid
Check the liquidin the pre-filled syringe through the inspection window. It should be clear and colourless to pale yellow.
You may see a small air bubble.Do nottry to remove it.
Do notinject if the liquid is cloudy, has changed colour or has visible particles.
Nota: The figure shows the 50mg
Proceed to Step3
Step3:Check the dose in the pre-filled syringe
Hold the pre-filled syringe up to your eyes to make sure the amount of liquid in the pre-filled syringeis above or almost above the fill linefor your prescribed dose.
Do notuse it if the pre-filled syringe does not have the correct amount of liquid. Contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for further instructions.
Proceed to Step4
Step4: Choose and prepare the injection site
Choose the injection sitein theabdomen, front of thethighsor the outer part of theforearm(only if administered by a caregiver).
Change the injection site
Clean the injection site
Remove the needle capby holding the barrel of the pre-filled syringe with one hand and pulling the needle cap straight off with your other hand.
Do notput the needle cap back on the pre-filled syringe at any time.
Nota: It is normal to see a small drop of liquid coming out of the needle.
Proceed to Step5
Step5: Inject your dose of ORENCIA
Hold the barrelof the pre-filled syringe in your hand using your thumb and index finger. With your other hand,pinch the cleaned skinfirmly.
Insert the needle
Insert the needlequickly into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle.
Complete ALL the steps to administer your full dose of medicine
Remove the needle guard: lift the plunger slowly to activate the needle guard.
Confirm:after completing the injection,the needle guard will cover the needleand you will hear a click.
Remove the pre-filled syringefrom the injection site and release the pinched skin.
Proceed to Step6
Step6: After the injection
Care for the injection site:
Dispose of the used pre-filled syringein the sharps container immediately after use. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist.
For more information on disposal, see theleaflet.
If the injection is administered by a caregiver, this person should also handle the pre-filled syringe with care to avoid accidental needlestick injuries and potential infection transmission.
Keep this medicine and the sharps container out of the reach and sight of children.
Important instructions for use
Read these instructions carefully and follow them step by step.
You will receive instructions from your doctor or nurse on how to self-inject ORENCIA using the pre-filled syringe.
Do not attempt to self-inject until you are sure you understand how to prepare and administer the injection. After proper training, you can administer the injection yourself or have someone else administer it, for example, a family member or friend.
Before you start – things to do and not to do
Do
The sharps containers are puncture-resistant disposal bins that can be purchased at many pharmacies.
Do not
STEP 1: Have the pre-filled syringe ready
A.Check the expiry date and batch number on the box
B.Let the pre-filled syringe warm up
C.Check the liquid in the pre-filled syringe
Figure2
D.Get your additional supplies ready and keep them within reach
E.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
STEP 2: Choose and prepare the injection site
Have the pre-filled syringe ready to use immediately after preparing the injection site.
A.Choose a site on the body for the injection (injection site)
Figure3
B.Prepare the injection site
STEP 3: Inject ORENCIA
A.Remove the needle cap (cap) only when you are ready to administer the injection
Figure4
You may see a small air bubble in the liquid of the pre-filled syringe. There is no need to remove it.
You may see a small drop of liquid coming out of the needle. This is normal and will not affect the dose.
B.Place the pre-filled syringe and inject ORENCIA
STEP 4: Dispose of the pre-filled syringe and record
A.Dispose of the used pre-filled syringe in a sharps container
B.Keep a record of the injection
Medicines should not be disposed of by flushing down the toilet or throwing in the household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and any unused medicines. By doing so, you will help protect the environment.
Have questions about this medication or your symptoms? Connect with a licensed doctor for guidance and personalized care.