The TGA has implemented a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument to address a shortage of Orencia abatacept 125mg single dose ClickJect prefilled autoinjectors and Orencia abatacept 125mg single dose syringes, until 30 April 2022. Orencia is used to treat several types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
This enables continued timely access for patients using abatacept 125mg formulations currently in shortage.
More information on the SSSI can be found on the TGA website alert Substitution instrument to address shortage of abatacept (Orencia).
Due to the intermittent supply of both medicines in the upcoming months, both are declared scarce and substitutable medicines, making the medicines effectively interchangeable.
This means patients who are prescribed:
- Orencia abatacept (rch) 125 mg single dose ClickJect prefilled autoinjector ARTG 236039
- Orencia abatacept (rch) 125 mg single dose syringe subcutaneous injection ARTG 206764
can be given either product by their pharmacist. Specified medicine supplied in accordance with the SSSI continue to be subsidised by the PBS.
Patients may present to the prescriber, rheumatologist, GP, nurse or a pharmacist asking how to administer the substitute Orencia product. For more information on the leaflets or instructional videos, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty Ltd on 1800 067 567.