Experience of Retuximab Tocillumab

[Rarah]

Hi. I've just returned from a. Appointment with rheumatologist I've bee. Give. The. Choice between these two drugs. What's people's experience if them.

[farm123]

Hi, I am sero negative and have tried both. Rituximab is 2 infusions a fortnight apart then nothing for at least 6 months when the cycle can be repeated which means less time needed for treatment if it works for you. Tociliuzimab is a monthly infusion. It was suggested to me that Rituximab works best on sero positive but was worth a try. Unfortunately it did nothing for me. Tociluzimab was tried next and although gave some relief it lowered my white blood count too far so had to stop. Now on Abatacept for almost 6 months and although easier than the last 18 months still not really under proper control.

The trouble with forums is that if people have found something that works for them and are able to live a 'normal' or should I say 'acceptable' life we do not hear from them as much therefore we do not see how many have had successful outcomes of the various drugs.

Farm

[Rarah]

Farm thank you for your response. I am also sero negative. I agree forums are often not used when life is good. X

[Jeanabelle60]

hello, i was put on Tocilamab when Humira and Enbrel failed to work for me. i am now on Abatacept and it was a miracle drug for me for nearly 18 months. unfortunately in the last six weeks its effectiveness has dwindled and i am back on strong pain relief again. i did comment on this site about how well i was and how Abatacept had turned my life around. then i stopped as i though i wouldn't be helping others who were still in a lot of pain. i'm seeing my consultant on Tuesday so i'll know more then. also i'm sero negative so that limits the drugs i can take. all the best.

[Margot2011]

I have been on Adalimumab injections, one fortnightly since 2009 and they turned my life round and I am still doing well on them. All the best. Wendy

[Ozzy]

I am also sero negative and I tried Rituximab at the beginning of last year, I had no response at all to this, now over a year later I am having my first dose of tocilizumab next month all being well with my white cell count.

[Rarah]

Ozzy I wish you luck fingers crossed it helps. I be been reading a lot the past few days. I'm swaying towards tocillumab

[RAinCanada]

I've been on Tociluzimab for 7 months, sero-positive, severe allergy to Methotrexate. My CRP has gone from 20-40 to 0.1. My joint count down from 20 + to 4. I am so much better. Still have occasional flares but the improvement is dramatic.... I was very hesitant but have been thrilled so far, IV for 1 hr monthly in infusion clinic, some tummy upset about a week after infusion but I'm up & around & thrilled with any progress. The reduction in CRP is dramatic sign this drug is working!!