First-Line Rituximab Bests Other MS Drugs in Sweden

[erash]

First-Line Rituximab Bests Other MS Drugs in Sweden

Click medpagetoday.com/neurology/... for the full story:

[erash]

sorry...you may need to register for medscape to read this (it's free)

Essentially, small study that showed rituxan to best other injectable and oral meds in both outcome and safety in 2 counties in Sweden. Recommendations re to consider rituxan or by default ocrevus as first line options.

[greaterexp]

Thank you, Liz!

[jimeka]

@erash Thankyou, good article, very helpful information for people with RRMS. Blessings Jimeka 🦋 🌈

[janetb1968]

Thank u erash really good article and a very interesting read 😊

[greaterexp]

I wonder how many on this forum are using/have used this and what their outcomes have been. What is their cost for the med, did they need to discontinue it, and why? Lots of questions!

[Kenu]

Interesting read, enjoy the information. Brings up lots of questions 🤷🏼‍♂️ Thanks Ken 👍🙏

[StacyHayward]

I didn’t see the side effects listed. What known problems come with this medication?

[Ms-Indestructible in reply to StacyHayward]

Sorry I don't remember the possible side effects, however do a search on your search engine of choice. plenty of information on line. Please know it is an off label use for MS.

[Ms-Indestructible]

I've been on rituxan for 2 years now, I love it. It is an infusion so ever six months for about 5+ hours. No side effects for me. I have SPMS. I'm not sure it is the best choice for RRMS but it is the only choice for SPMS [ I believe]

[Ms-Indestructible in reply to Ms-Indestructible]

Oops, just read the story. Based on that and my own experience with the rituxan therapy, it would be my first choice if I were just diagnosed with RRMS. I wish I knew about it back in 2007.

[erash in reply to Ms-Indestructible]

besides limited side effects, what are other benefits you perceive? improvements? stabilization? Thanks Ms-Indestructible

[Ms-Indestructible in reply to erash]

my doctor uses 2-3 cocktail of meds just prior to infusion to help with any possible side effects and to make the infusion better. I don't have the list of these drugs but they are pretty standard for other doctors using this therapy. I can contact my doctor if they can't be found. I allow myself 1 day of recovery, usually to sleep. But I don't always need it.

Wow, okay first I only need 1 day to recover every six months as apposed to 2 days per week on other DMTs. Less relapsing, and more energy. Being much more active. Before I was spending 85 to 90% a day in bed, now about 40-45%. Less of a "foggy brain" with more clearer thinking. No more daily or weekly shots to give to myself [also more free time to myself not dealing with theses time issues for the shots (plus time scheduling)]. COST. I pay $12.00 every six months as a copay for the meds involved including the rituxan mix. My health plan pays 100% for out patient treatment. Ability to participate in life better (Socialize).

Overall I feel more "normal" than ever before.

I hope this helps.

[Ms-Indestructible in reply to Ms-Indestructible]

Thanks for bringing this therapy more attention to other MSers. I can't be more thankful for this treatment.

[Ms-Indestructible in reply to Ms-Indestructible]

Oh, my deep depression issues seem to be easier managed. Instead of therapy for depression of 2-3 time a week to once or twice a month. Still very depressed but not so captivating.

[erash in reply to Ms-Indestructible]

Ms-Indestructible wonderful!!!🌈

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

erash That drug is what my MS Neuro said he thinks would be best for me. I will find out at October if I will get approved to take it. Because of my age, he said he'd have to pull strings to get me approved by UCSF and my insurance, etc. I have to remind him and all others concerned, they just don't realize how athletic I was before MS landed on me just 2 years ago!

[erash in reply to CalfeeChick]

Check out a recent (last week) YouTube by Aaron Boster on DMTs and older MSers. It’s very encouraging and addresses the need for a paradigm shift in thinking about DMTs in older individuals (I will post link if I can find again)

[erash in reply to erash]

youtu.be/4PrxbRPJ61A(Not working as expected?)

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

erash I couldn't get the volume to work on this one but followed a link on utube. will try to find and listen to, but if you do find the link, I'd appreciate it,😊💕

[erash in reply to CalfeeChick]

🙁each time I try to copy the link here it pastes the actual (soundless) video.

If you cannot find on YouTube message me your email and I will forward directly. It really hit home fot me.