Rituximab

[sjhewitt42]

Hi all

After seeing a very good and knowledgable nurse today looks like Rituximab is the next step. I would welcome your experiences please. xx Sarah

[AgedCrone]

Been on Rtx since 2016.....all good.....once you have had your first infusion it's all plain sailing...just 4 days a year in the clinic & no other meds...I don't take Mtx with it,but some do.

Hope it suits you as well.

[emmajj1971]

I have had 2 lots of 2 infusions of rituximab and not had much joy with it, but saying that I have been under extreme stress that has been really bad over the past 8 weeks so I might not be feeling the benefits yet. I'm going to give it another round of infusions because I was told the more times you have it the better it works xx

[pino99]

Hi, I have had two rounds of infusions. The first one did not do much, but the second one back in April has definitely worked. My pain levels are down, my crp in down to 9 (used to be as high as 150) and I am down to 1 mg of pred. I usually feel quite flushed and a bit tired for a couple of days after, but very manageable. Good luck with it.

[sjhewitt42]

Thanks for your replies... I will give it a go I think. Concerned about the side effects and particularly PML but all these drugs have side effects it’s always a trade off with RA meds. xx

[Pulfs]

I have been on this since 2010 feel very tired a washed out for couple of days but the results are worth it. Make sure they put infusion through slowly so as not to get a bad reaction while it's infusioning and you'll be fine . Good luck xx

[AgedCrone in reply to Pulfs]

Good advice...a new nurse decided to speed up my last infusion ...luckily I was awake & realised so called the Sister in charge of the unit......she checked my notes & slowed it back to the speed I can tolerate ....a few minutes later I felt fine.

I'm very happy on RTX.....But you need to keep aware during the infusion.

[nymima01]

Hi - I am on this site because my daughter has RA. But I have actually treated with Rituxan (4 infusions in one month) for another condition and I am so happy I did! I needed to have a steroid and benedryl before each infusion due to the fact that I had an allergic reaction to it, but in the end, my condition improved so much and I haven’t had to return to it yet. I never felt tired and had renewed energy after each infusion, so it is on my “good” list! It is used to treat so many conditions now. The very best to you! Let us know how you do!

[KMC15]

I am seeing my ra consultant wk tues as benepali. Mtrx & salphazelazine have not worked. My ra nurse said possibility of infusions. Im.worried as i work 3days a week (with a great struggle!) & im worried about losing days at work due to infusion & then reading comments above losing days at work due to side affects!

[AgedCrone in reply to KMC15]

The majority of people I speak to in the clinic when I have RTX infusions seem not to have any side effects that affect their jobs. A few arrive early, have their infusion, then go off to their jobs. I drive myself there & back with no problems.

I don't know about other clinics but mine only does RTX infusions on the same day every week so the only problem might be if you can't change your work days.

You have to have a blood test in the week prior to infusion, but only working three days you will be able to fit that in OK.

The infusions have worked really well for me...the only effect I have noticed is I have a burst of energy the day after the infusion, probably due to the steroid in the pre-infusion.

But looking back on how I felt on Dmards & other pills & potions I'd vote to take the RTX .

Hope whatever infusions you have are successful.

[KMC15]

Feel a lot better now i have read all the comments. How long does the infusion take?

[Leics]

Hi, I had rituximab infusions a few years ago. Didn’t work for me but they can be a godsend as others will tell you. Don’t be afraid all drugs have various side effects. I used to work 3 days a week too but managed to work around issues. Be honest with your workplace they should accommodate you. One thing I must caution you about make sure your immuno bloods are monitored and you must have your bloods done in between. I fell through the gaps unfortunately but go for it it maybe a life changing treatment for you.