Ciclosporin for ra anyone ?

[weymouth321]

Hi , has anyone been prescribed the Dmard Ciclosporin for rheumatoid arthritis ?

It’s listed as one of the Dmards on the Versus Arthritis web site ?

[AgedCrone]

I think you will find it is an immunosuppressant ..not used much for RA in UK.

[nomoreheels]

I know that it's less commonly used for RD & if it is it's usually as double therapy with MTX. It's hard on the kidneys & can cause high blood pressure, other common side effects are more hard hitting than common side effects of the regular DMARDs used, HCQ, SSZ, LEF, so other treatment is preferred, such as biologics given that CSA has been used for severe RD. It has been used as an add-on if reducing long term steroid has been problematic.

Is it something that's being considered for you? As I say it's less commonly used nowadays.

[weymouth321 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you nomoreheels , no noticeable improvement ( ra ) from first session of Rituximab last November 2019, consultant reluctant to prescribe Ciclosporin, just interested to see whether anyone takes it . Still struggle with daily living tasks , lying on sofa 80% daily , intermittent severe Rt. hip pain and knees , bouts of feeling thoroughly unwell , feverish spells . Had ra 10 years , are these symptoms normal - seeing consultant 9 th March , am so desperate for prescription to take away this feeling of unwell ness . ( he wrote saying my next Rituximab infusion isn’t yet due ) Greatly appreciate your opinion.

[nomoreheels in reply to weymouth321]

Obviously these would only be my feelings in your position but I’d be guided by your Rheumy, not sure I'd be wanting to try CSA over other more regularly used meds for RD, in the biologics class I mean, particularly as he's reluctant to prescribe it. I don't know enough about rituximab I'm afraid to understand how it works, hopefully others who do will advise but it does sound as though, at the mo, it's not doing as it should for you, I'm sorry. Given your appointment is only a little over a fortnight away it may not be worth asking for it to be brought forward, though I know you must think it might as well be a year away when you feel so poorly. You could contact your helpline & let your nurses know your symptoms perhaps? They can then advise.

Take care & let us know what what happens. x

[weymouth321 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you nomoreheels , did ring Helpline , telling nurse how unwell I’m feeling , she was very understanding, though, as you say , it’s not long till 9 March now . Rituximab works on the B cells , that’s all I understand at present . Many Thanks Again .

[Kags1068]

Yes, I've been on cyclosporin (neoral) since 1994. I also take Humira, Methotrexate, Prednisolone and Hydroxychloroquine. Have had serious eye problems wth JIA (4 failed Corneal transplants culminsting in loss of sight in one eye).

It's worked for me, but has caused kidney, blood pressure and gum problems. It's always a hard balancing act isn't it?!

If you want to know any more about it, please feel free to ask🙂