Update
26 April 2024
The information on this webpage is no longer current. Please go to the About the 2024 shortage of Orencia (abatacept) medicines webpage for information about the 2024 shortage.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty Ltd (BMS), have announced that the shortage of abatacept (Orencia) subcutaneous (SC) presentations has been resolved.
We understand how difficult this situation has been for many Australians. We acknowledge and thank patients and healthcare professionals for their efforts to reduce the use of abatacept products and adopt the Orencia (abatacept) Stock Hypercare Plan (OSHP) to ensure continued supply for patients with limited alternative treatment options.
Information for patients
- You may switch back to or be initiated on any abatacept (Orencia) medicine as deemed appropriate by your treating physician.
- Normal ordering processes for all abatacept (Orencia) medicines has resumed.
Information for prescribers
- The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) has ceased and the TGA shortage notification for the SC preparations of abatacept (Orencia) has resolved.
- The OSHP has ceased and normal prescribing and ordering processes for all abatacept (Orencia) presentations has resumed.
- Patients may switch back to, and new patients may be initiated on, any of the abatacept (Orencia) presentations (IV or SC) as appropriate.
- Patients should be counselled against stockpiling abatacept (Orencia) products. Stock is available for all patients.
Information for pharmacists
- The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) has ceased and the TGA shortage notification for the SC preparations of abatacept (Orencia) has resolved.
- The OSHP has ceased and normal prescribing and ordering processes for all abatacept (Orencia) presentations has resumed.
- Patients may switch back to, and new patients may be initiated on, any of the abatacept (Orencia) presentations (IV or SC) as deemed appropriate by the treating physician.
- Patients should be counselled against stockpiling abatacept (Orencia) products. Stock is available for all patients.
For further information please refer to the following links:
Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty Ltd (BMS) - Products & Medicines - Bristol-Myers Squibb (bms.com) - then search under ORENCIA (abatacept)
Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) - Update 1 July 2022 - Abatacept Shortage Resolved
Arthritis Australia (AA) - Information about the abatacept (Orencia®) Shortage