Rituximab and Denosumab

[Jacko37]

Has anyone had a Denosumab injection after having a Retuximab infusion. I have just had my second infusion and due a Denosumab injection soon. Just read that Denosumab can increase the risk of serious infection with Rituximab. Rheumatology have said that it's OK, but I don't trust them.

[Amnesiac3637]

Hmm, not sure then who you’re planning on trusting if not your rheumatologist.

I can see why you have reservations as Denosumab does have interaction with Rituximab but your consultant will be well aware of that and will be doing the best for your circumstances about which the rest of us are entirely ignorant.

Many drugs are listed as having adverse interactions with each other, after all they are chemicals, and it’s a credit to manufacturers and scientists that not more of them fight with each other, especially as many of us with long term, chronic conditions often take a poly-pharmacy each day.

So the best person you can challenge is your doctor - if you’re unhappy about the decision have a constructive discussion with him or her, explain your concerns and see what, if any, are the alternatives. Best of luck and hope you have a happy outcome and your health improves very soon.

[Jacko37 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thanks for your reply, I guess I should trust the doctors more, after all many people with rheumatoid also have osteoporosis so it won't be the first time that people have been on both Denosumab and Rituximab.

[AgedCrone]

Do try calling the Royal Osteoporosis Society…they have really caring & knowledgeable nurses who can explain everything, They explained a lot to me & I spoke to the rheumy nurse who was really pushing Denosumab…& I opted out.

[Jacko37 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you, good idea.

[irisF]

J'ai fait quelques recherches sur ce médicament car il m'a également été proposé par mon oncologue pour des métastases osseuses,'moi je prends pour le moment exemestane et afinitor. Denosumab semble donner des résultats rapides sur les métastases osseuses mais il a aussi de gros effets secondaires chez nous en France on parle d'un risque de nouveau cancer après une année de prise et de fractures multiples au bout de deux ans (pour mes recherches je suis allée sur pubmed, revue prescrire, revue médicale Suisse et sur la HAS). Donc le choix est difficile pour moi sans compter l'osteonecrose de la mâchoire. Un tas de petites choses pas très sympathiques. Si vous voulez avoir des renseignements exactes n'hésitez pas d'aller sur Pubmed c'est un site de références, c'est la bibliothèque médicale internationale. Donc pour ma part je préférerais zometa pour soigner ces métastases osseuses, il n'est pas sans risques non plus mais il a moins d'effets secondaires que l'autre et il donne aussi de très bons résultats. J'en ai parlé à mon oncologue qui ne connaissait pas les effets secondaires que j'ai cité plus haut, elle a pris la documentation, j'en parlerai aussi au rhumatologue. Le risque d'un nouveau cancer serait de 3,8% ce n'est pas énorme mais si ça nous tombe dessus, c'est plutôt ennuyant. Par contre je n'ai pas vu le risque d'infection. Quand on me prescrit un nouveau traitement, je vais aussi dans la monographie complète qui liste tous les effets secondaires. Mais parfois il y a des effets secondaires rares qui ne sont pas toujours mentionnés. J'espère que ces quelques recherches pourront vous aider. Passez tous une bonne journée.

[AgedCrone in reply to irisF]

Oui…c’est très vrai

[Alice70]

I had my first Denosumab for osteoporosis two weeks ago ,I'm not on anything for rheaumatiod jet as I've been unable to take DMATS I think that is the name for meds I've tried so far ,I'm waiting for rheaumatoligy to send for me as promised ,I'm already on two biologics the other one is called omalizumab, did you have Denosumab for osteoporosis

[Jacko37 in reply to Alice70]

Yes, been on Denosumab for years and last DEXA scan showed an improvement in my bone density so it's doing it's job. Rheumatoid is such a difficult condition to manage, hope you get something that works for you soon.

[Alice70 in reply to Jacko37]

Thank you Jacko 37

[J355ie]

I have been on Rituximab infusions and Denosumab injections for years and have never experienced any problems with them. Trust your rheumatologist they know what they're talking about.

[Jacko37 in reply to J355ie]

Thank you so much for your reply, so reassuring