Carole: we don't do Orencia infusions at our office but some of our patients are on it. One of the side effects that most of them mention is nausea for 4-5 days after the infusion. Could you be experiencing nausea and mistaking it for hunger? Maybe try a few crackers or drinking some gingerale when you first feel this symptom and see if that satisfies the feeling. This is just my humble opinion. There are drugs that definitely increase appetite, steroids (Prednisone) being one. Ask your infusionist the next time and see if other pts feel hunger. I'm not on rx but 3:00 is my worst time no matter what I eat for lunch. Soup, veggies, and something light were suggested (sometimes it helps, sometimes I eat 1/2 pound of cheese before supper>)
I'm not sure I answered your question but meds affect all body systems so I'm sure the Orencia is doing that. Good luck-hope the rx works. If I find out any more info I'll let you know and please do the same--I like to be able to answer questions my patients have.