Abatacept (Orencia)

Orencia is the brand name for abatacept. Abatacept is in a class of medications called selective costimulation modulators (immunomodulators). It is a man-made (synthetic) injectable drug. Orencia works by blocking the activity of T-cells, a type of immune cell in the body that causes swelling and joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Orencia may be prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis if other treatment is ineffective.