Rituximab without MTX?

[premierscfc]

I have not been on a biologic since the Tocilizumab was stopped as it no longer worked.

I have been informed today that the Rituximab cannot be approved if you don't take Methotrexate with it. Unfortunately I cannot tolerate MTX even at low doses so I'm stuck at the moment.

Does anyone have rituximab without MTX?

[farm123]

I had one cycle without Mtx (cannot tolerate it) but for me the ritux did not help. It was a few years ago so new guidelines may be in place now. Farm

[AgedCrone]

Yes I do...I ask the nurse administering it every time, to make sure as I would not have it if it had Mtx added.

I have had 4 infusions & I am delighted with the result.

I know my Rheumy said as the central nervous system effects I had were so severe he would put the case for no Mtx I presume he won out!

[KayEP]

Yes I do. I was on Methotrexate years ago and to stop because of the bad effects on my liver. The Rheumatologist wanted me to take leflunomide with it, but as I had already taken that years ago I wasn't keen - I did try it but after being so exhausted (couldn't really drive and be safe) for 2 weeks I stopped taking it and just have rituximab - 3rd cycle now. It works fine for me taken alone.

[Fra22-57]

I tried it without been on methotrexate.Mine was with sulfasalazine. I had been on methotrexate few years before and stopped.

[bpeal1]

Yes I do. I also couldn't tolerate MXT. I take it with leflunomide and sulphasalazine instead.

[premierscfc]

Thanks for all of your replies!

I'm currently on Leflunomide (which does nothing for my RA) so hopefully I will eventually get rituximab with the leflunomide.

Did any of you have to wait a long time for approval? as my RA is running wild and I'm desperate for some relief.

[cathie]

I've had it without mtx and more recently with leflunomide. They said that it might be less effective without mtx and I have been better with leflunomde.

[3LittleBirds2]

You have had plenty of answers to put your mind at rest I'm sure but just wanted to add that I too have Rituximab without MTX my choice and I seem to have got away with it?!! Having said that I was told initially that I my have to take a placebo dose of about 2.5 mg I think but can't quite remember anyway I have it with the MTX. Good luck I hope you get the go ahead for Rituximab 😊

[Damaged]

I am on Rituxan without MTX. That is not a rule here in Canada. The Rituxan has not done anything for me and second set of infusions is in June. I am still undecided. No significant side effects, unless this rash is from Rituxan and not Clindamycin ? My back and chest are the worst but also on forearms and shoulders. Does not look like my usual reactions. I normally have big welts or patches, particularly in hot spots. This time it is little dots but very itchy. When I took Orencia, I developed Pityriasis . I think I prefer that, at least it did not itch. This burning has kept me up all night. I got out of bed at four this morning. My thighs are itchy as well. Any remedies out there ? I am on Benedryl but it has had no effect yet. Beginning to wonder if it is something other than allergies. Who knows?

[premierscfc]

Thanks for all the replies, I would cross my fingers if I could😉

[premierscfc]

I've just had a call from the Rheumo nurse and I'm going onto Golimumab (soon I hope). The last A-TNF I took was embrel which worked for over 9yrs so I'm hope this will work as well😎

Thanks for all replies re Rituximab & Mtx.

[premierscfc]

After a very uncomfortable wait I was told that I couldn't go onto Golimumab either as for Rheumatiod it turns out it too has to be taken with MTX

I started 5mg MTX on Saturday with the usual side effects but at least I can have Rituximab (my preferred med) now.

1st infusion next Wednesday