Did anyone happened to use rituximab without Methotrexate?

[evochka]

Is it so necessary to take them together? My mom takes Methotrexate because of Mabthera course. She tried Methotrexate before, but it never helps her (as well as other drugs like that). Now she takes so many meds and we are looking what we can exclude.

[allanah]

I didn't use methotrexate with Ritiximsb as I reacted to mtx . I used sulphasalasine with Ritiximab .

I was told it wasn't as effective in that combination but as I was soo bad on mtx it was the best I could have.

Hang on in there, it sounds like you are a great support to your mum and that's just what we need with this illness, xxx

[Hidden]

Hello

Some Specialist will prescribe Methotrexate (DAMARD) with Rituximab (BIOLOGIC) together they feel that they get better coverage when they do that. The problem with this is that the contra indications can include a cancer, although this is rare. There are some clinics that will prescribe the Biologic on its own, although I do not know how many and where they are.

They were going to prescribe both together with me and it was decided not to because of the risks involved

I am sixty three

Happy New Year

BOB

[Hidden]

hi ,I take my biologic without a DMARD--- my liver just could not deal with the DMARDs

is it as effective--- not sure, however for the moment I have no choice so just accept what benefits I get and deal with the rest knowing it could be worse

i also know there is a stand alone, single therapy biologic that does not require DMARD with it however you would need to check if your hospital can prescribe it-- not all have it on their formulae

hope you can find a solution

p

[Dogrose]

I'm supposed to take 5mg of MTX with Infliximab, I was told I wouldn't be cleared for the treatment by NICE unless I took it, in reality even 2.5mg makes me feel wretched most of the time and doesn't help with my RA and I don't take it every week, I don't tell anyone though because the Infliximab works and I don't want to have to stop it.

[jaxx1]

Hi, Yes I have Rituximab infusions and stoped MTX when I had the first Rituximab, just have 20mg of Leflunomide daily,since March 2012. Hope this helps.

[cathie]

I used to be on infliximab. + methotrexate. Once I stopped mtxate and infliximab stopped working. When I re started it, they both worked ok again.

[wendy1934]

I have been on Rituximab since 2010, with the addition of Hydroxychloquine sulphate. But suddenly without reason I have not had an infusion since March last year. Only reason I can think is that I am approaching 80 years of age.