Which Bio?

[tazman3]

Which biologic is administered by infusion twice a year? My rheumy has said I might need to try it in the future but I can't remember the name of it.

[Karen12]

I think you may mean Rituximab but there are other drugs that can be infused but I think they are more often x

[Gnarli]

As far as I know, the drug is probably Rituximab. It is administered with two loading doses two weeks apart and then every six months or whenever you feel the effects wearing off. Some people can go a year, or even longer, apparently. If your rheumy and you decide the medication is the next step for you I'll keep everything crossed that it's 'the one' for you.

[AgedCrone in reply to Gnarli]

I agree it sounds like Rtx ….I have been on it for 7 years & due to various reasons just went 15 months between infusions.It has been a reallly successful treatment for me, which I have without Mtx & only a 50% steroid dose. If you are fortunate,there are no pills or injections to remember…so it is well worth trying it if it is suggested by your rheumatologist.

[Gnarli in reply to AgedCrone]

Mine is tomorrow.

[AgedCrone in reply to Gnarli]

Hope it goes well!

[madme1 in reply to AgedCrone]

Agree, I used to be on Rituximab and had the loading doses 2 weeks apart. Then I went back every 6 -8 months.

[AgedCrone in reply to madme1]

I did that for 6 years..then at the beginning of Covid..much against my better judgement, but as nobody really knew what was what..I had a Covid vaccination in November, followed by a Rtx infusion the following January & it didn’t work as it normally did.

I had all sorts of tests & I had no antibodies, then other health issues arose & I ended up waiting 15 months. I eventually had the Rtx this April….& all seems fine…my bloods are OK, so in 6 months my rheumy & I will have “discussions”…. with me saying - unless things change, I’m quite happy to wait another 15 months. Can’t see the point of having an infusion just because 6/8 months are up. 😳

[madme1 in reply to AgedCrone]

I asked a doctor if I could have a test to see if I had antibodies. His reply was, why would you want to do that. I still don't know my level of antibodies.

[AgedCrone in reply to madme1]

I had other blood issues …& my Haematologist wanted tests done so my antibodies were tested then,& I was taking part in that research where you pricked your finger & sent off the blood & they sent back your results…otherwise I wouldn’t have bothered.

But I do think the whole atmosphere went through a period of making everyone wonder where they stood.

[Twitty999 in reply to AgedCrone]

Rituximab is very successful for me. One single infusion lasts me over 12 months with Methotrexate injection every other week. It is amazing! ☺️

[AgedCrone in reply to Twitty999]

I went onto rituximab afterMtx stopped working for me and my rheumatologist said there was no point giving it to me with Rtx, and I don’t react well to steroids so I just have a 50% dose of methylpred, prior to infusion, and that has suited me really well for the last seven years.

Fingers crossed it continues to do so.

[SEAgran3]

I have retuximab, always helps

[Pinkpop]

Hi Tazman 3, I have Retuximab infusions. As I understand it the timing of the infusions depends on the individual some people have them twice a year some yearly and other go for even longer periods. For me it has worked a treat, hope you get the same result. Also there are a few different ones so you might not have Retuximab, you rheumatology doc will decide which one is best for you. Good luck 😀

[cathie]

that sounds like rituximab. I’ve taken it for about 15 years and it has helped me.

[Evie3]

Rituximab. I have been on this since 2019. Biologics/Anti tnf’s have given me back my life. The only downside for me is that it lowers the immune system significantly so have to b careful of getting infections. Hope it works for you