Orencia and Vemurafenib

• Generic Name: abatacept
• Dosage Forms: injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution
• Other Brand Names: Orencia, Orencia ClickJect, Orencia Prefilled Syringe

Orencia (abatacept) a protein that prevents your body's immune system from attacking healthy tissues such as joints. The immune system helps your body fight infections. In people with autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakes the body's own cells for invaders and attacks them.

Orencia is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and to prevent joint damage caused by these conditions. This medicine is for adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Orencia is not a cure for any autoimmune disorder and will only treat the symptoms of your condition.

Orencia is also used to treat active Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) in adults.

• Generic Name: vemurafenib
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Zelboraf

Vemurafenib is used to treat melanoma (skin cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery.

Vemurafenib is also used to treat Erdheim-Chester Disease (a rare blood cancer).

Vemurafenib is used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal "BRAF" gene). Your doctor will test you for this gene.

Vemurafenib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.