Happy new year to all

[ggtone1937]

what has happened to the Drugs Mabthera(rituximab) andOrencia(abatacept) supposed to be the wonder drugs for Arthritis sufferers discovered in 2007, trials had proved they could reduce the symptoms by up to 50%.

[nomoreheels]

Happy New Year to you too. The two drugs you mention are often spoken about on here & though I have no knowledge personally there are members who could give their experiences. Are you being considered for one of them? Meantime these links may help with your question nras.org.uk/rituximab-mabth... nras.org.uk/abatacept-orencia-

[ggtone1937 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks for the links, they were very helpful, it would seem to me that the better one would be abatacept. Something to discuss with my Specialist at the next appointment.

Much obliged to you nomoreheels

[helixhelix]

Like many of the other drugs for RA it seems they are wonder drugs for some - just not for everybody. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a simple test to work out which was the best drug for each person. without having to do trial & error? ( or even better a complete cure!)

[farm123]

Some people have found relief from rituximab and it appears works best for sero positive. I tried one cycle as I was running out of options but it did nothing for me although I am sero negative and cannot tolerate MTX. Been through Enbrel (7 years), Humira (9 months), Rituximab (1 cycle) and Tociluzimab (monthly infusion 3 over 4 months) and currently just over 12 months on Abatacept and although not anywhere near normal it is easier than over the previous 3 years. Like all drugs they work for some and not others. Farm

[ggtone1937]

Thanks for your input, much appreciated

[Marm]

I had my first course of Rituximab on 27/11 and 11/12. This has worked very well for me even though after first Infusion I was exhausted but following the second one things have improved amazingly. Just hoping it lasts for a few months. This differs for everyone. Good luck with your medication.

[Hidden in reply to Marm]

Great news Marm!! So pleased. I've yet to have my second infusion as I got a throat infection.

[Marm in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear that, hope you don't have to wait too long for it. Please let me know when you have it.

[Hidden]

Hi ggtone

I've been on Rituximab for 7 years and it's working quite well for me. Rheumy says if it stops working I can go on Toxilizumab. Good to know we have options. Good luck with your appointment.

Happy new year

Kikideelili x

[ggtone1937]

Thanks Kiki, Happy new year to you, glad everything is going well for you. Thanks for your reponse

[NeonkittyUK]

Had my first duo of Rituximab in April and they quickly brought my ESR down to 23 from 85 and CRP from 45 to under 5 and reduced all over inflammation and all of the pain I got all over my body .. not the damage done to joints years ago ,.. there is OA pain and damage to manage and address, but Rituximab has done for me what many other of the meds could not. I am just starting to feel like there are a few twinges coming back .. and I am now coming up to 9 months since my initial duo of Rituximab so it has worked well for me to keep the disease activity under control. Still early days for me with it and much I need to learn and find out also but so far it has very much helped. Happy New Year! NK

[anie1951]

Happy New year to all. I am to have the Rituximab infusions around February, as Cimzea didn't work at all for me. Unable to have it sooner, as I'm to have my last total knee replacement surgery on 28th of this month.