Hello to all: I have been surfing the web looking fora site like this and maybe found others with RA. First things first.I am 53 and have had Ra for about 10yrs. now,starting with carpal tunnel in the wrist,then I progressed along to full blown RA. You guessed it ,I have been on at one time or another just about everything made,
predisone ,met.,celebrex. I am at a point the Drs. just shake her
head.She said on a scale of 1-10 am a 13!!
She is looking at me andwants me to start taking RITUXAN by injection. I understand there are serious side effects with this drug
and I am very concerned.I also have other medical problems such as
diabeties. Is this safe. Does anyone use this drug??? Sorrey about the mess.
I am about to start it too and know very little about it as well. Yes, from what I have heard there are possible serious side effects but geez, what's newyou take it by infusion not injection. They start an iv and it normally takes from 6 to 8 hrs. But you only have to do that twice every 6 months.
I have been on it for a year now and have noticed no side effects. Except of course, being extremely fatigued for the couple days afeter. Good luck to both of you.
Thanks Crispy...I figured I could go into possible panic about side effects with this one but there is probably not a lot of point seeing as how I probably won't experience any of them and I have already been through some pretty 'mean' drugs. And being anxious will just make everything worse. I think sometimes getting all the 'horror' stories doesn't help. Hi guys, I am awaiting the start of rituxan therapy too and have been quite concerned about the side effects, but my Rheumy said it would be riskier to not have it due to my ongoing love affair with Prednisone - not! I hope it helps too. Good luck, Janie. Hi Darlene and welcome. It's awful scary to read the possible side effects of drugs that we "need" to take - but after struggling with all that I look at it this way!! They really do have to warn about the worst things, but they actually seldom happen.Hi Darlene and welcome to the board. You will find much caring and support here from very wonderful people.
Please try not to worry so much about the side effects. There are side effects from every medication we take whether it be for RA or for something else. Most of the horrible scary side effects you hear about are very rare. The main thing to be concerned about with any of these biologics is infections or viruses. Practice good handwashing techniques and that lowers even more the chances of a virus or infection happening. I carry hand sanitizer with me and use a little bit when I am able to get out and go shopping etc.
I hope the rituxin works very well and very quickly for you. Please keep us updated on how you are doing.
Hi Darlene, welcome. Everyone has given you good advice and I just want to stress the importance of being aware of germs, viruses, and ill people around you. I also carry the sanitizing wipes and use them on my hands, the carts in the stores, and the outside of my purse. Believe me I'm not a germaphobic, you should see my house! But I am careful of other's germs. Good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing. Lindy