Waiting so long for rituximab

[Ritaalice13]

I'm still trying to find out from anybody how long Rituximab takes to work. I've been waitingg since February the 14th, I've had two infusions already without any difference to my RA. I've had terribkf pain in hands and writs for months I take mextrate 7. mg a week. Please can someone tell me how long they have waited.

[AgedCrone]

I had a Depo injection a couple of weeks after the 2nd RTX infusion..because I had a bit of a hiccup during that infusion in October 2016 ...& have been virtually pain free ever since. I have another infusion tomorrow. I don't take Mtx as it had such awful side effects.

My Rheumy nurse says I am lucky as it can take almost until the second set of infusions for the RTX to kick in......so hang on in there!

Hope

[Fifi2]

I had my first infusion last August and my second in feb .

Have to say it took 4 months after the first one to really feel the effects .

I know it's a pain but hang in there

Fiona

[Ritaalice13 in reply to Fifi2]

That gives me hope, thank you so much.

[EmmaS-NRAS NRAS]

Hi Ritaalice13,

As others have said, unfortunately Rituximab can take from between 16-24 weeks to work so you might have to hang in a little longer.

If you can read more about Rituximab on our website: nras.org.uk/rituximab-mabth... or give the NRAS Helpline a call on 0800 298 7650 if you have any other concerns.

Best wishes

Emma-NRAS

[Kinz1]

My first infusions took about twelve weeks to have any effect but since then the relief is amazing. I have now been on Rituximab for four years and have very little pain. It's a wonder-drug for me.

[Ritaalice13]

That gives me hope, thank you.