Rituxan infusions
Hello, my Rheumatologist wants to put me on rituxan infusions. I am a little scared. I was wondering how rituxan has worked for other people and how do they like it.
Hi
, I have not personally been on Rituxan, so I'm hoping some of other community members will weigh in. I wanted to share these articles with you incase they're helpful!
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/rituxan-reviews-how-well-does-it-work
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/rituxan-rituximab-side-effects
Thinking of you!
Warmly,
Amanda (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member)
Seven years ago i was very concerned and told my rheumatologist I declined. That lasted about 30 days and I stated using Rituxan. It was one of the best decisions i have ever made. I honestly got my self back. We both have to make our own decisions but I am o glad i did it.
rick - moderator
Wow! What a wonderful surprise! Thank you for responding! It's nice to meet you! I feel welcome already! 😊 I appreciate the link you provided, so hopefully Iin 2012 I was asked to take part in some research. The research was Humira vs Rituximab for patients with severe, difficult to control RA.
The first 6 months I had Humira, it did nothing. My RA was out of control and I was constantly in and out of hospital.
Next I was given Rituximab. This had an amazing affect on my RA, it's been a game changer.
I've been having Rituximab every 6 months since the research.
Yes, I still have flare ups but nowhere near as bad as before having Rituximab.
Hello Rick,
Thanks for your quick and friendly reply. I was a bit worried that I asked you too many questions...
I wrote back to Christine and I hope you will read what I wrote her. I didn't want to copy and paste the same thing to you that I wrote to her.😊
But, just in case you don't read it... I do want to personally thank you for responding back to me. I meant it when I said your post on the good response you had to the Rituxan really inspired me to try the medication and to take the risk and write to someone in this community. So, thank you.
Christine sent me a link, so, I will definitely write my story and post it. I have always enjoyed writing but the RA has really gotten in my way; fatigue and pain... so, as I told her, I think I will write a little at a time so that I don't scare off everyone (or bore them) and so I won't physically overextend myself. At 64 years old, and living with RA for 63 of those years, I do have a loooong and involved story. 😁
Oh, yes, I do need some help from you... Can you explain if
Alright...I will post this now and look forward to becoming more involved in this community. I feel that I really NEED to participate..because I usually stay disconnected from groups. I was involved in different groups many years ago and then I stopped. But, now, I realize that I don't want to feel so alone and that I don't HAVE to. By belonging to a group, I can really help myself feel better just by participating. So, fingers crossed...I will read some more posts and then post something about myself. Thanks for "listening" and
Hi there, like Rick said - take your time and please post as much or as little as you'd like. You mentioned not wanting to bore anyone by sharing your story. I will tell you that your story doesn't need to be exciting - it just needs to be honest! And that is what will make it good to read. Everyone here knows about life with RA and approaches it a little differently. Your story will add to that and perhaps even help someone figure out how to approach it in a different way or just have a greater understanding of what another is going through and can provide support. Welcome to the community here! Happy to have you 😀 - Reggie (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member) 
that is why I enjoy reading your articles! Sense of humor is necessary with RA - have you always had they “wicked SOH?”?
I have been on Rituximab now for seven years, with very few side effects, after trying all other biologics. ( I am unable to take JAK inhibitors because of Factor
V Leiden, which makes me a high blood clot risk.) Rituxan was the first drug that allowed me to discontinue prednisone, after taking it for over twenty years, sometimes at high doses for vasculitis, episcleritis and rheumatoid lung. The first two conditions have been stable now for a number of years, but recent X-rays have shown I have rheumatoid nodules in my lungs, which I had many years before starting Rituxan. These lung nodules have caused pleural effusions in the past, (when the nodules have ruptured) but I have not had this problem since taking Rituxan. I am currently waiting for a CT scan of my lungs.
I'm so sorry to hear about the rheumatoid nodules in your lungs. I hope the new CT scan goes well and it's clear. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences and being vulnerable with community members. Sending lots of love and light your way. -Effie, team member
