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Rituximab

Posted , 4 users are following.

sherry29159
sherry29159

Anyone on this? Need some feedback. Just started it. Thank you!

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie sherry29159

    Posted

    I am about to have my third round of rituximab( 2 infusions 2 weeks apart) it has made a world of difference to me, but seem to need it every 6 months as they suggest. My rheumy nurse said someone they treat hadn't needed the next round until 5 years later! So again everyone s different. No side effects whatever. Hope it is successful for you too.

  • barbara58180
    barbara58180 sherry29159

    Posted

    I did the 2 infusions , 2 weeks apart, and repeated that  6 months later, as is the standard protocal. It was a little hard, as I could not take the faster infusion the second time, when they try to speed it up so it doesn't take 6 hours.

    Between the solumedrol and benadril, I was a bit knocked out for a few days. . . .

    Unfortunately for me, it did nothing. But my Doc's other patient felt so well, that he forgot his next appointment!!\

    So, who knows. Try. . . I hope it works for you. .

    Now that I also have Sjogrins , I was considering trying it again, but can no longer tolerate any steroids--I've just had more than my lifetimes worth. Maybe I should get a lifetime achievemnt award for steroid endurance. . ?

    I now have cataracts and osteoporosis.

    Good luck!

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 barbara58180

      Posted

      Sorry to hear that. I didn't have serious probs with infusions just headaches for few days. I hope you find the right drugs for you. It is hit and miss I guess. I have been and am on so many. I relied on steroids for a long time and decided to come off them. I now want to just see if I get any better with rituximab and steroids would just hide any improvement so I will just endure the pain! Take care.

    • barbara58180
      barbara58180 sherry29159

      Posted

      Thanks, Sherry. I went on to Orencia, which worked well, but--I got so many upper respriatory infections that my doc finally took me off. I was doing pretty well with just adding Sulfasazline to my MTX, but now, with the stress of caring for my mom with Alzheimer's and no help from family and frineds, I think the stress may be making my disease worse.

      I don't know what I'll do, but hopefullyh won't get too much sicjer.

      Thanks!

      Barbara

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 barbara58180

      Posted

      It must be tough for you. I do believe trauma can bring on RA. I guess you are in America as you say 'mom'. Are you getting assistance from anywhere? I hope you are.

      Sherry

    • Light
      Light sherry29159

      Posted

      Yes, trauma can definitely trigger the genetic tendency to get RA. It did me, mine.
    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 barbara58180

      Posted

      Well here if you are a carer there is a lot of help you can get. I know this is the case but I don't have any experience of it. That's why I wondered where you were. It may be different elsewhere.

    • barbara58180
      barbara58180 sherry29159

      Posted

      Very interesting. . . .even my sisters won't help me. I am living in my mom's house and they are making a big deal out of her property taxes, which comes to less than the amount a carer would be paid in the UK!!

      Very helpful.

      Thanks. And good luck!

      Barbara

  • Light
    Light sherry29159

    Posted

    Yes. On my second round. Doing me great. No side effects.

    What do you want to know?

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 Light

      Posted

      Just that is enough thanks. Just trying to gauge what percentage of people get good results. Not everyone does. Thank you!
    • Light
      Light sherry29159

      Posted

      I was on Actemra a few years ago and had bad side effects to that, so my rheumy waited to put me onto another biologic and that has been Rituximab and it's done me proud!

    • sherry29159
      sherry29159 Light

      Posted

      Music to my ears! Do you know how long it took to kick in? I have heard of some getting relief almost immediately and others up to 3 months. I don't want to start on preds again as I won't know if rituximab is working. Its hard to believe something is going to actually resolve this hell. Thank you!

    • Light
      Light sherry29159

      Posted

      It took about six weeks. They say anything between two and 8 weeks.

      Hope it works for you!

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