Arthritis Foundation Forum / RA Connect / Rheumatoid Arthritis - (RA Connect) / Infusion with Rituxan / Latest Posts

RE: Infusion with Rituxan

Pam3 — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:30:35 GMT

Here is a link to the thread Jay mentioned: http://community.arthritis.org/forums/Topic4089756-1831-1.aspx?Highlight=Jay .

I think it's really nice that you're helping your brother in this way.

RE: Infusion with Rituxan

Jay in Sarasota — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:22:15 GMT

I've had three series of Rituxan (you get an infusion and then another after two weeks) and this has been the best drug yet for me. I took Enbrel and Humira before. I feel mentally better on Rituxan but it hasn't been great for pain (maybe because I'm just more aware now). I felt better within two weeks of the infusions. I'm still uncertain about it lasting 16 weeks though but I'll try to monitor how I feel closely this time as it seems to wear off. I posted a description in a thread titled "rituxan experience" quite a while ago. You can find that with a keyword search. I described how long it takes to get the infusions and what it's like. I hope it helps your brother.

RE: Infusion with Rituxan

crispycream — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:22:29 GMT

I hate to be a sour puss, but I am still waiting for the effects of Rituxan. I had my first treatment in August and I am still waiting to feel GREAT!!! I am feeling awful :sick: right now that I even had to quit my job b/c of RA...this was prior to Rituxan. I heard a lot of people felt well after four to six months, so I am not losing my hope in this med. Good luck!!!

RE: Infusion with Rituxan

Judy_smile37 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:27:26 GMT

Hi,

I take Rituxan. I am doing very well with it. I take a little bit more than most because I also have had lymphoma. I am currently symptom free from the RA.

Many times I have taken it and I had no side effects. This last time I got a headache and a balance issue. I have had this balance issue before (unrelated to the Rituxan). It just seemed to make it worse.

My latest bloodwork showed a decrease in globulin -just slightly below the lower limit. So I think I will wait a bit longer before I take it again so that can come back up.

The thing about Rituxan is that it takes a long time to get the full effect the first time. Thereafter, it works better and quicker each time.

I have had RA for 20 years. In 2007 I was worse than I have ever been. Sed rate 92, c-reactive protein 1.9. Because of the lymphoma there were limited drugs I could take.

I took the Rituxan in April 2007. My c-reactive protein came down to normal in about 3 months. But, my sed rate did not get to normal (below 20) until 6 months. It lasted all of one month and went up to the low 30s. I took more Rituxan in Feb. 2008. This time I was normal by May and stayed that way. We then went ahead and gave me more in Sept. 2008. I still have no inflammation.

Since July c-reactive protein is undetectable and sed rate is 10 or below.

The hard part about Rituxan is the question of when to retreat.

Another board member, Nikkilynn, had it in June 2007 (had RA for 9 years and no relief) and has been good since then without taking any more.

Some other board members take have taken it more frequently than 6 months.

So everyone is different.

More and more is being learned about the best way to use it.

If the other drugs aren't working, Rituxan is definately worth a shot.

One other warning is that some people are allergic to it and have a reaction during the infusion. Different than other drugs, with Rituxan the reaction gets less with each treatment rather than worse.

Judy

Infusion with Rituxan

Hilaria Green — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:15:07 GMT

My brother was diagnosed with RA thirteen years ago and has been on numerous drugs, including Enbrel and Humira. Dr is suggesing an infusion with the drug Rituxan and since he has had so many side effects with so many drugs, he is very apprehensive. Anyone out there have experience with this drug or any thoughts to offer on the subject? Thanks for the help. Big Sis