Golimumab v. Rituximab? What is others' experience? - NRAS

NRAS

37,229 members46,073 posts

Golimumab v. Rituximab? What is others' experience?

Lifesforliving profile image
10 Replies

After being advised of liver and lung problems attributed to long term use of methotrexate (10mg weekly subcut), it has been suggested I move from a combination of Golimumab/methotrexate to Rituximab alone. From a layman's point of view, apart from a persistent cough) my RA was under perfect control for several years on the original regime, but clearly there were underlying issues going on.

I'd like to know what experience others have had of rituximab: side effects, effectiveness, etc. so that I'm ready with questions to ask at my next appointment. Would just like to add that I have no possibility of using alternatives such as sulfasalazine, hydoxychloroquine, or lefluonides following previous allergic/bad reactions and am considered too old for JAK inhibitors.

Would really appreciate some help, thank you

Written by
Lifesforliving profile image
Lifesforliving
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

I transferred from 25mg Mtx PW to Rituximab 7 years ago. I had already kicked out Sulphasalazine & Leflunomide.

Best move I could have made. Worst case scenario was four visits a year to the hospital to have the infusions. Once you are well settled on the infusion it can come down to just twice a year or if you take to it really well as I did , I now only have one infusion every nine months.

No pills, no injections just a blood test prior to each infusion. Sometimes I get a slight headache for a few days after the infusion and feel a bit washed out but nothing to write home about.

I hope whatever you decide suits you really well.

Lifesforliving profile image
Lifesforliving in reply toAgedCrone

Thanks for that, it's encouraging

janmary profile image
janmary

I’m about to have fifth RTX infusion - this time just one (previously 2x2 ) and am on monotherapy. It took a long time to work fully ( starting from a really bad flare) but has been really effective. Ive been more’normal’ than for years. And its been good to be free of weekly injections and pills

I’ve had no side effects other than feeling a bit dozy the next day. I’m touching wood as I say this of course.

Hope it goes as well for you

Lifesforliving profile image
Lifesforliving in reply tojanmary

Love the thought of no more injections! hope my experience will be as good as yours

1973hillview profile image
1973hillview

hi this is just my experience so please don’t let it put you off….I too had to come off methotrexate after many years for liver issues.I’ve had various meds sulphasalazine hydroxychloroguine, leflunomide, benepali all with good results for a couple of years. I was then offered Rituximab and I jumped at the chance of no tablets or injections and just a few infusions a year. Unfortunately during my first infusion I had a bad reaction where my heart rate rapidly increased so they kept starting and stopping but managed to complete the infusion in the hope that my second infusion 2 weeks later was better. Sadly it was worse and an ambulance was called as my tachycardia got worse and the infusion was stopped so now been put back on injections but this time adalimumab. It was put down to just a reaction and all was fine after but it just didn’t agree with me. I was gutted as infusions seemed a great idea and I’d jump at the chance if another option was offered. Good luck and I hope it all goes well xx

Lifesforliving profile image
Lifesforliving in reply to1973hillview

Need to get a balanced view and your experience is important. Really grateful for you taking time to write, won't deter me but knowledge is vital, thanks

WendyB123 profile image
WendyB123

Hi, I was given Rituximab a few years ago, having tried many other treatments that either didn't work or had nasty side effect. Rituximab was brilliant for me - I had the best few years while on it, with no side effects. Since 2020, I've not been able to get it, first of all because the Rheumatologists thought it could impact on the COVID-19 vaccine, and more recently because my immunoglobulin levels are too low.

I'd love to be able to take it again and would recommend it, but I know everyone reacts differently. Good luck!

Lifesforliving profile image
Lifesforliving in reply toWendyB123

I've read elsewhere about RTX v. Covid jabs, so can bring that up in discussions, thank you

65_women profile image
65_women

I have been on Rituximab for 4 years now. It really works for me no problems Praise the Lord. I could see that the jabs could cause side effects .

Lifesforliving profile image
Lifesforliving in reply to65_women

Thanks, this is very encouraging

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Rituximab experience

Full of high hopes for my new treatment, I went along to the infusion unit at the Western General...
Sailaway profile image

Azathioprine v Rituximab

After having seen my Rheumy today & being told that not only do I have RA but also pulmonary...
Whiskers64 profile image

New treatment plans advise needed please

I have been given three new options to think over I would like advise and feed back from RA...
Sunflower62 profile image

People's experience of rituximab. Anyone had migraines/headaches?

Hi I'm new to the site. I joined because I was looking for more info on rituximab. I had the second...
Giggle profile image

Rituximab infusion

Hi, I am new to this but would really like some help or advice in regards to Starting the rituximab...
Flowers2020 profile image

Moderation team

See all
KateL-NRAS profile image
KateL-NRASAdministrator
Donagh-NRAS profile image
Donagh-NRASAdministrator
Nicola-NRAS profile image
Nicola-NRASAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.