Starting Rituxin | Arthritis Information
I'd like to hear your experiences, bad and good if you're taking Rituxin infusions. I'm waiting for approval and left with no other alternatives. You can PM if you'd like. Lindy
Hi Lindy! I tried Rituxin about 2 or 3 years ago, had the first two infusions, and they did nothing for me, so my RD stopped it immediately and I went to Orencia, which worked for almost 2 years. Rituxin and Humira are the only two biologics that did absolutely nothing for me...all the others I was able to stay on for a year or two before they stopped working. I know a lot of people have had success with Rituxin, so I wish you the best! Let us know how it goes.
Hi LinB,
I've been on rituxan for about two years. It has totally changed my life. It has allowed me to get completely off of the prednisone and the mtx. Altho my rheumatologists asked that I take mtx with the rituxan, I stated my case against it and they agreed to just the rituxan. I have almost no pain. Every once in a while I will have a small flare but attribute that to me being sick or having a bug that sends my immune system into high gear. Good luck with it. I hope you find as good of relief as I have. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
LEV
The body has the ability to cure itself if given the opportunity. There is no shortage of any drug in anyones body.
ronbn562011-04-12 07:20:21Thanks Gale and Lev, as usual I have a lot of worries and reluctance to starting a new treatment....just my usual state. Probably more to do with my age than anything. Will get cleared by my cardiologist and go from there. Still have lots of questions. Lev, do you have infusions at the RDs office or the hospital? I know that most infusions are done anymore in the RDs office but it seems like infusion reactions are more severe with Rituxan than the other infusion treatments. Thanks for your help. Lidny I always had the Rituxan at the drs office. Most of what you read will be in reference to cancer treatments, not for RA. I took it for about 1 1/2-little side effects, but it wasn't able to control the jaw erosions.
Hope it's the med for you!
Hi Becky, I've been researching it's use for RA versus CA and the % of severe reactions were somewhat higher than with the other infusion treatments and the type of reactions were in areas that I already have had some medical issues....so I'm being extra cautious about Rituxan. Were you able to restart Orencia? I know you've been off of it for awhile
Lin.. I hope this is the treatment that gives you back!! and is just what you need! Got my fingers crossed and sending good health wishes to you, my friend.
Thanks Babs, Who knows if it will work. If it doesn't then I've tried all of them except for one that I can't take due to it's possible side effects. I guess it's just going to be a leap of faith. Lindy[QUOTE=LinB]
I'd like to hear your experiences, bad and good if you're taking Rituxin infusions. I'm waiting for approval and left with no other alternatives. You can PM if you'd like. Lindy
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As you already know, I've had a excellent results with Rituxan.
My only advice would be to make sure you give it time to work. It took a full six months before I noticed any kind of response...
Thanks Lynn, I had forgotten you were on Rituxan...I'm so happy that you posted. It has to start working before 6 months, just has to. Flare is too painful and I don't want to stay on an increased dose of Pred. for 6 months and I want to leave for our place in Mex. the end of Oct. I'm cutting it close. LindyLinB,
Yep, ditto what Lynn said. It took 6 months to work and it was on again off again for a while but once it got into high gear, wow. I sure hope it works as well for you. and yes, I go to the hospital for my infusions. I have asked about reactions and have been told that they are very minor. that they are so slowly administered and watched. I guess that when they first started their were some issues and so, the first of the two infusions is really slowed and those issues were done away with. Take a good book or something to occupy your time. When I fist started on rituxan, my infusions were scheduled after my RA symptoms started coming back but now, they just give them to me every six months and so there is no period of discomfort and pain. Never had any issues since i've been on it. Went all winter without the flu or cold or any other sickness.
LEV
Larry, thanks for your post....all of you have made it easier to make a decision. My RD said the infusion would take about 6 hours. Is your infusion that long? Anyway, the decision is made and I'm just waiting for clearance from my pulmonologist and cardiologist. Lindy
Hi Lindy! When I got my two infusions of Rituxan, it was run over an 8 hour period. But that was back when it first came out, and they were being extremely cautious. I think about 6 hours is the norm now. Prior to the infusion, I got 50 mg IV Benadryl, 100 mg IV Solu Medro. and 4 mg IV Zofran. Not sure if all RD's prescribe this, but if you're going to get the Benadryl, ask for it by mouth...it burns so bad going in the IV route, and makes you SO sleepy! Like Lev said, bring a good book and just plan on relaxing and/or napping. Good luck!
Brisen2011-04-12 12:07:28Hi Gale, she actually said that it might run longer than 6 hours depending on my reactions. She also said that I'd get Solu Medrol and Benadryl. Good to know about IV burning, I'll take 2 oral. There was no mention about administering Zofran. I have a legal pad filled with questions for her and I'd add this about Zofran. Thanks for your input, it's invaluable. LindyHi Lindy! Just wondering if you've had your first dose of Rituxin yet?
After taking Remicade for 2 years which had to be increased to the point where it left scars on my arms due to skin lesions and rash from a reaction to increase, I began taking Orencia which left me with multiple UTI's and ultimately a kidney infection that put me in the hospital for 5 days. I began Rituxin - I was only able to tolerate 1 dose and began having trouble breathing, swelling, etc. The rheumatologist did not think it had anything to do with the Rituxin, but the reaction was immediate. So I never did have the second dose.
The rheumatologist went backwards in my treatment - went back on methotrexate/plaquenil and referred me to a pain management specialist. but going to a pain management specialist covers the symptoms (for which I am thankful) but does not slow the process of RA which is something I also wanted so went back to Rheumatologist to seek treatment - working on getting started on Humira.
Everyone reacts differently to medications - I am amazed (and sometimes jealous
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