Orencia is an immunomodulator that disrupts the continuous cycle of T-cell activation that is prescribed to reduce the symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

When you have RA, your immune system is attacking itself. This cycle leads to permanent change in your joints. Your immune system thinks your joints are under attack, so it starts to send signals to launch its own attack. When you have these attacks, it leads to the symptoms you feel in your joints. Without treatment this, the cycle continues. Orencia disrupts these signals and helps break this cycle.  

When your joints are under attack, it activates your T cells. When the T cells get activated, they send signals that lead to symptoms in your joints. Orencia blocks the T cells from being activated so it does not lead to signals being sent to your joints, preventing your body from attacking itself.