Rituximab

[Chanelady]

I've been advised to start this biological therapy soon. I have tried many types of tablets and found them to be unsuitable for various reasons. My Consultant has stated that my Rheumatoid Arthritis is active and I should start the Rituximab soon.

I am worried about it as I was previously advised not to take a biological drug as it would lower my Immune system too much, this could be a problem as I have COPD ( Bronchiectasis) diebetes etc.

After much deliberation with the Consultant I was advised to start.

Is there anybody on the site using this drug and what are your feelings about using it.

Thanking you in anticipation.

[skinclinics]

Hi Chanelady

I have just had my part 2 infusion

The actual process is not unpleasant at all

It’s a bit lengthy as the infusion has to be given via cannula and drip over a given time ( about 6hours)

The second one I had today was a bit shorter

Your blood pressure heart rate and oxygen saturation levels are measured at hourly intervals

As far as relieving any of my RA symptoms - I am still going through a quite aggressive flare at the moment

However I was told not to expect any noticeable relief until 2 months have passed

It has come to the stage that every other DMARD etc hasn’t worked long term and I did get put on a Bio similar- Yuflyma but it did nothing for me in the 5 months I was having the pen injections

But there again - with RD - there is no “one pill for all “however I’m positive and hopeful that this one will ‘be the one’

I understand your concerns and it down to you to make the final choice - we’re all different

Personally I just had to go with the advice of my rheumatologist as my RD seemed to be taking over my life

Wishing you well

[pammi2 in reply to skinclinics]

i also had yuflyam for 5 months and didnt work, have you had any extra infections since your first infusion

[medway-lady]

I’ve got Cyclindrical Bronchectasis too amongst other things and although not on RIT I’ve never had an issue with it being affected by RA medications. I’ve been told though it’s not COPD, so am interested in why it may be classed as such. I’ve been lucky no infections for 5/6 years now so I’d never had known had I not had lung function tests and scans years ago following a severe infection.

[AgedCrone]

Absolutely a very successful treatment…many members here are on it.

I have been on it since 2016 & now only need an infusion every 9/12 months.

I hope it suits you…...it is so convenient……no remembering pills…..At first, you will just have either one or two infusions every 6 months.

Your rheumatologist will not have decided to prescribe it for you without much thought …so don’t worry just look forward to it helping you.

[pammi2 in reply to AgedCrone]

have you had any side effects or extra infections?

[AgedCrone in reply to pammi2]

Nothing ..it has been the best med I have had in 20+ years..but I don ‘t expect side effects…of course I have had them..but every new drug I have taken I have looked forward to it working well.

These days there are so many sophisticated drugs available & too many people read Dr Google…..which is often incorrect, or their explanation is misunderstood…& that is where a lot of people get hung up expecting all sorts of nasty side effects.

Of course Rtx might not suit you- you need to give it at least until to your second set of infusions before deciding it’s not for you.

If you read back on this site you will notice giving up on a drug too soon becomes a habit…so be patient & give any new med a good try.

Good Luck..Hope you are fortunate & it suits you well.

[MarshaM]

I've recently been advised to start the infusion. In 2013 I started out with methotrexate and plaquenil and then humira was added and I was on humira for 10 years and it stopped working. So I was switched to Enbrel and it didn't work at all. Recently I was prescribed celebrex but it's not doing much to help. There's quite a bit of inflammation in my feet, Ankles, knees, hands and wrists And I'm just limping around. So I'm waiting for my appointment to start the Rituximab infusion. I hope it helps my ra seems very aggressive

[emmajj1971]

I have been on rituximab now for almost 7 years and it has made such a difference to me it did take about 18 months to have the full benefits from it (that was 3 rounds of infusion that were done 6 months apart and they are 2 doses with a gap of 2 weeks between them) and I have not had any issues, just follow the advice given. Obviously there are a number of different biological medications and what works for one may not for for another. Rituximab was my 5th biological medication as they either didn't work or I had serious side affects from 2 others. Good luck

[pammi2]

i sart in january and am also worried

[janmary]

I have been on Rituximab for 3+ years having been on various combinations of MX and other meds for 10 years, none of which stopped acute flare ups .

The RX took a long time to work but has been much more effective and has made my life ‘normal’ again - apart from joint damage from the previous ineffective treatment years.

I haven’t had any issues with infections- I did test positive to COVID 2 years ago, but it was very mild - the rest of my family were quite poorly!

I don’t have any other health problems.

I’ve also found it to be the most convenient treatment- no other medication to worry about, just one 6 monthly few hours infusion in a comfy chair with very competent nurses and refreshments .

I hope it works as well for you

[wilbertjellyfish]

Perhaps you could speak to your respiratory doctor and get their opinion. It could be that that biologic is one of the better ones for people with COPD type issues. It's difficult juggling different diagnosis but you can't suffer with the arthritis either.

[Popinjay]

Hi Chanelady

I have had RA for 23 years and I had RTX it is given through a cannula I did have a allergic reaction to it but they also provide antihystomines at the same time it was very successful for about 3 years but my allergic reaction soon became to severeand i was transfered too an alternate Biological. everyone is different and there are many different biologicals out there don't lose heart they will find one that suits you

good luck on your RA journey.

[Ruffles13]

best thing I ever done. No more pain.

[Hisue]

Worst RA drug treatment I've ever experienced (first Rituxan infusion)- projectile vomiting, weakness, insomnia, continuing severe RA pain, unbearable fatigue (bed-ridden). It took 6 months to clear from my system, until another RA drug could be tried. Horrendous.