Rituximab.

[mattcass]

That's the name of the drug the consultant has recommended to the transplant team one of the side effects shows it attacks my immune system and can cause infections if that's the case then I wont be getting this. Has anyone used this drug so I can get some feedback. Mattcass

[AgedCrone]

Hi Matt.....Well if your consultant has recommended Rituximab...he knows you & your medical condition so he must think it is the best treatment for you.

I'd ask him why he is recommending it over other other Biologics?

After all he, together with your transplant team, is the expert in trying to get you in better health.

I can only tell you I have been having 6 monthly RTX infusions since 2016 for Sero+ RA, but I don't have any underlying conditions & I don't take any other drugs apart from the odd Paracetamol & Naproxen....so very different from you.

What it does is target the B.Cells, which in RA target antibodies which in turn attack the tissues & cause the swelling & pain of RA. OK technically it does "attack" the immune system, but with RA the immune system is overactive & needs calming down, which is what RTX attempts to do.

I can honestly say apart from the usual RA fatigue I haven't really had any ongoing nasty side effects. It's not perfect...I still get aches & pains, but it is the best drug to control My RA in 20 years.

I have only had one cold since I've been on it......but like all drugs it will have different effects on different people .

I'm sure other people will be writing to you telling you of their experiences.

Your best plan is to discuss it calmly with your Rheumy nurse & the rest of your medical team....they are the only ones who know your clinical needs ....we can only tell you what we have experienced.

I do hope you get to feeling better very soon.

AC

[Pulfs in reply to AgedCrone]

My experience on this biological is same as you and I too wish this was available when 1st diagnosed 24yrs ago then maybe wouldn't have had multiple joint replacements x

[AgedCrone in reply to Pulfs]

I have been extremely fortunate & apart from carpal tunnel & neuromas is my feet I haven't need surgery.

But I just take things day by day now...I had 7 good years on Mtx before I had to stop, so I am never 100% confident that RTX is my forever drug.

I just hope it is.

[nymima01]

Please read my reply to your first question. I have used this drug (in infusion) form and it worked well for me. I explained it in your other post. 👍🏻

[Simba1992]

Biologic meds which Rituximab is, targets certain cells that fight infections in our immune system and actually block their function. This means that the risk for getting infections is increased. Like AC said we are all different in our reactions to meds and like a pharma person said, there is no effect without side effects. I have read that R is often prescribed to patients with lung issues because it seems to have a special healing effect. Talk it through with your doc and good luck. Simba

[weathervane]

Hi mattcass , i have Sjögrens so my circumstances are different, I receive rituximab infusions every 6 months and it has improved my life so much . I am careful about hand washing and avoiding people who have infections as much as possible. Wishing you good luck with the transplant xx

[Pulfs]

Hi Matt I agree with what agedcrone has replied to you. Not had problem with this biological infused every 6mths. X