Rituxan

[Maat2002]

Hi all,

I have a question for everyone. I have had RA for many years now and have tried almost every medicine known without any benefit. My Rhuemetologist thinks this may be B-cell related autoimmune problems and is wanting to start Rituxan infusions asap but my co-pay is $1739.03. I cant afford this price. I found that my drug coverage insurance will cover the self injections at $8.75 per injection, but not the infusions because it takes 10 vials to make up 1 6hr. infusion. The doctor says I must do 2 infusions for 6 months for loading doses first. Can anyone tell me if they started with the self injections and if they have had any luck with this medicine. I don’t want to start on this medicine that’s so costly and not have a chance of it working.

[AgedCrone]

I gather you are in US & rely on Medical Insurance?

Here in UK after many tests we are put straight on to Rituxan ( known as Rituximab over here) infusions after having failed on 2 or 3 Dmards.

I have not heard of anybody in UK being offered RTX tablets...but someone on here may know if it is available.

In that form.

Although we don't have to pay for it personally - our NHS pay from the contributions we pay over a lifetime..... it's not easy...we have to jump through hoops to be approved for funding.

Unfortunately, as far as I know, there is no test that can be used to determine whether any RA drug will suit a particular individual .

I do hope you find a solution very soon.

[Maat2002 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you. I hope so too. I know they can do DNA test to find the perfect medicines for other maladies but not RA. My insurance company tells me that Rituxan comes in an injection that you can give to yourself. I am wondering if that will work the same way as the infusion. Thank you for responding to my post. I hope you have the best day you’ve had in a long time today. We have a saying here in the states that goes be prepared for the worst and be positive and Hope for the best. I try everyday even when I’m not feeling my best.

[AgedCrone in reply to Maat2002]

Well if as you say the injection is under $10 a month you have nothing to lose really have you?

i don't know about the injections...but could you just stay on those......until maybe you could save the $1800?

I'd write down all your questions & the next time you see your rheumatologist have a really good talk about what is & isn't possible.

Bet it's warmer where you are....it was below 30° Her this morning!

[Maat2002 in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi AgedCrone,

That’s what I thought too. Just take the shots that I would give to myself, but the rheumatologist keeps saying the infusions need to come first and the shot as the 6 month dose. I’ll be glad when a new medicine comes along that can be given by mouth. I hate shots. Saving 1800.00 for one infusion isn’t gonna be easy on a 526.00 disability check that’s for sure. These medicines shouldn’t cost so much. Someone posted on here that because RA is an incurable chronic disease that’s why insurance doesn’t cover them better. This is so disappointing.

I’m sorry it’s so cold where you are. This morning we woke up to 28 degrees at my house. I can do without all of the cold weather. When it gets cold I want my electric blanket, my recliner, my Yorkie, and a cup of tea and I’m good for the day. Lol. It’s the simple things that make me comfortable. Lol. I hope you have a wonderful day today. Stay warm.

[AgedCrone in reply to Maat2002]

It's the same here ...Private Medical Insurers won't pay for RA as it's incurable...as if we didn't know!

I'll try to make you feel better...over here Biologicals cost between, $13,000& $25,000 per year.....if you have to pay yourself, depending on which one you are on.

Although it is struggling we are very lucky to have our NHS.

Where are to have temperatures of 28 ..do you mean Celsius or Fahrenheit?

[Maat2002 in reply to AgedCrone]

Fahrenheit. Tonight we have temperatures down to 42 degrees Fahrenheit. I live in South Carolina we tend to have a wide range of temperatures here. Next week we are scheduled for our first snow and ice storms. We will see.

I have herd that the NHS was an awesome coverage that covers everything Medical that’s why you pay so much in taxes. Our Disability here is and 80% that Medicare pays out for medical costs and 20%is required at the time of Service paid by the patient. I’m thankful for the insurance I have, however living on 500.00 dollars a month is not enough to pay for medication like biologics.

[AgedCrone in reply to Maat2002]

Well you live in a great place..I have had lots of fabulous holidays at the Outer Banks.

[Maat2002 in reply to AgedCrone]

I love it here. We are close to the beach and very close to the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. It keeps the climate moderate.

[AgedCrone in reply to Maat2002]

Don't make us Brits envious. It's freezing tonight. it's 1130pm here,& I'm writing this under my electric blanket,

[Maat2002 in reply to AgedCrone]

I’m keeping company with my heating pad tonight myself. I hope you are able to Keep warm and rest well tonight.

[Hidden in reply to AgedCrone]

pmlive.com/pharma_intellige...

At the moment, biologics are generally delivered by intravenous or subcutaneous injection, which is effective but not desirable for patients, particularly for chronic conditions. Other routes of delivery such as transdermal, intranasal, inhalation and oral administration are under investigation, but oral delivery is generally considered the optimal route.

[AgedCrone]

Why do you think infusions are not desirable?

I find the infusions every 6 months the least disruptive of all the RA.Meds I have had over the 18yrs since I was diagnosed.

OK, you have to be around a week before for a blood test, then one day the next week for the infusion, the next week another blood test, then another day for the infusion, the next week! Then it's all over for 6 months......I think having to be around 3 weeks twice a year is a small price to pay to live a near normal, pain free life.......basically it is three days twice a year for most people.

i know the medication might not suit everyone, but as I'm sure we can all testify, there are some pretty horrid side effects from Oral Dmards!