Is Orencia Available as an Injection?
Yes, Orencia (abatacept) is available as an injection and can be administered via two routes: intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous (SC) injection. 1
Available Formulations
Subcutaneous Injection Options
Orencia is supplied in multiple subcutaneous formulations for self-administration 1:
- 50 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe 1
- 87.5 mg/0.7 mL prefilled syringe 1
- 125 mg/1 mL prefilled syringe 1
- 125 mg/1 mL ClickJect autoinjector 1
The subcutaneous formulation is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution with a pH range of 6.8 to 7.4 1.
Intravenous Infusion Option
Orencia is also available as a sterile, white, preservative-free lyophilized powder (250 mg per vial) that requires reconstitution with 10 mL of Sterile Water for Injection prior to IV infusion 1. After reconstitution, the solution is clear, colorless to pale yellow, with a concentration of 25 mg/mL 1.
Clinical Equivalence Between Routes
Both IV and SC formulations have demonstrated similar and consistent efficacy and safety profiles in clinical trials 2. The subcutaneous route offers the convenience of self-administration at home, while the IV route requires administration in a healthcare facility 3.
Key Compositional Difference
An important distinction: the subcutaneous formulations contain no maltose, unlike the lyophilized formulation for intravenous use 1. This may be relevant for patients with specific metabolic considerations.