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Has anyone with RA had a bad reaction to Rituximab?

Posted , 2 users are following.

sue35255
sue35255

I have had psoriatic arthritis for many years, and up to a short time ago was having weekly injections of Etanercept.  My condition was getting worse, and it was decided to give me Rituximab, and I had the second infusion two weeks ago, and am now experiencing one of the worst flare-ups I have ever had!  Has anyone else had a bad reaction to this treatment?  I feel that I am being fobbed off by the rheumatology dep't as I am being told that it sometimes takes a while for this treatment to kick in.  I am taking the maximum dose of Naproxen, Methotrexate as well as other pain killers.  The GP prescribed Tramadol, which made me very sick, and which I am reluctant to take anyway, as it is addictive, and I've enough problems already!

Any comments gratefully received.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • linda1947
    linda1947 sue35255

    Posted

    Hi Sue,

    i had rituximab two years ago. I also take methotrexate.  I really don't think you're being fobbed off.  It does take quite a while to take effect, but believe me, when it ,does you will bless the day they gave it to you.  It has made an enormous difference to my life.

    i suspect that the flare up you are having is coincidental, just hang on in there and in a few weeks time you'll be feeling much better.

    • sue35255
      sue35255 linda1947

      Posted

      Thanks Linda, I feel à bit more confident on hearing your experience with this treatment.
  • Light
    Light sue35255

    Posted

    I can't answer to this specifically, but I do know that the biologics can produce strange after effects and side effects before the good results kick in, yes.

    I was on Actemra and was sick with flu symptoms and strange skin things. But when the drug's effects got going, it was miraculous!

    I suggest you give it another couple of weeks.

    • sue35255
      sue35255 Light

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply, it seems that there is hope!
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