Difference between treatments.

[ks1966]

Good day to you good people

Can anyone please tell me the difference between Rtx and leflunomide and sulfasaline injections?

I’m starting my treatment soon.

Thanks 😍

[helixhelix]

These are completely different types of drugs. The best thing to do would be to look each of them up on the NRAS website, here:

nras.org.uk/ra-medication

Rituximab comes under the category of biologics, and the information about Leflunomide and Sulphasalazine are under DMARDS.

Rituximab is an infusion done in a hospital every few months, leflunomide and Sulphasalazine are pills you take daily.

[AgedCrone]

For rheumatoid arthritis Rituximab a Biologic therapy is given by infusion, and usually leflunomide and sulphasalazine are given in tablet form.

They can all be used in cancer treatment in which case they can be given by injection

But ask your rheumy nurse....I doubt you will be given all three will you?

[Neonkittie17]

Rituximab infusions are given as a solo treatment, or alongside Methotrexate (either tablets or injections.) Some people may not tolerate Mtx, so don’t want to take it as well as Rtx. The medical thinking used to be Mtx made Rtx work more efficiently as Mtx seems to do that with many other RA biologics (injections/infusions mainly) and tablets.

Sulphasalazine tablets were usually one of the first line meds given when you get diagnosed with RA. It was my first RA drug in 1995 and worked great for 8 years. Then lost its efficacy. I’d feel surprised if Sulpha tablets were prescribed and given as well as Rtx infusions. I’m certainly no expert though, but have had several RA meds/treatments and 26 years of RA so have had a few experiences. The Rtx infusions are given at hospital as an all day patient as they take several hours and are given every six-twelve months, depending on when your body is ready for the next ones(s).

I don’t want to be too confusing/technical here. The medications pages on the NRAS website explain all the science behind the meds and how they all work. Hope all goes well and that you get chance soon to discuss your options with your rheumy/rheumy nurse.

[ks1966 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thank you very much for your feedback.

[bpeal1 in reply to Neonkittie17]

I take Sulphasalazine, leflunomide and rituximab , however I didn’t start them all at the same time. They were gradually added over several years. I can’t tolerate methotrexate but my rheumatologist said leflunomide would roughly do the same job. She recently increased my dose of sulphasalazine so she must think that is also adding something.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to bpeal1]

I understand now. I thought you meant you were about to start treatment with Rtx/Leflun/Sulpha all together!! Everyone is individual and has medication tailored to that of course.