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Anyone on Rituximab---MabThera

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/27/2008 1:33 PM (GMT 0)

Hi

I'm new to this joint

So glad to meet you guys!!

It is great that there is so much sharing out there

and so much help

I've had severe rheumatiod for the past 11 years and have worked my way though to the MabThera

a long story of drugs that did not much good............. to those that had bad side effects for me skull

MabThera seems to be working really really well yeah

I had my 1st infusions in February

It took probably 4 mths to really notice greater strength and speed and energy and less stiffness

I am really happy with the way things are going :-)

I only had a hiccup with 3 bouts of shingles on the eyelid,

but this was very minor because I knew what they were

and got Famvir, double dose( because we are immune suppressed)straight away

I am due to have the infusions again(it has been 6 mths. since the first lot)

It is said with each treatment you get better

Maybe I can  break the 10 mg barrier with the pregnosone with the next lot

My blood pressure is up and I was wondering why redface

Is there anyone else out there who has experienced MabThera

It would be lovely to hear from you

Posted 7/31/2008 3:03 AM (GMT 0)

I am on Rituxan and have had 3 or 4 total rounds I can't remember.   I actually have had no "hiccups" as you say.  I have totally responded amazingly well to the point of having no active signs in bloodwork but still having some minor issues in comparison to where I used to be.  I am on this every 4 months initially and now I am on a wait and see which means I may not need it again for a year or more.  I also take Arava (luflonemide) and 25 mg of methotrexate which I will be tapering down.  I haven't needed prednisone for a while.  I can't be more pleased.  I have dropped weight now do to increased activity and am down 80 lbs.  Now you can't keep me still.  I am also noticing some muscle coming back as well.  I went a long time without treatment because the docs I was seeing decided I was mental and didn't really have pain.  Oddly enough I really haven't even been sick for a while and in fact have been sick less often then I was before I started the medications.  This has really surprised me but I am not complaining. 

Good luck with your medication and I hope you continue to improve.

Theresa


Posted 7/31/2008 8:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Theresa

                          thanks for the reply and the encouragement tongue

 

In Australia, we need to show that the drug is working in 3mth.to qualify for more.

This is gov. policy due to the price.

Even though I was feeling heaps better, the blood test did not show it

so I had to double my preg. to 20mg., and that gave the desirable figures (shows that there are ways around the paper work)!!!

                           So you have had wonderful results

 

                                        I'm soooo pleased for you

 

                                  I wish you all the best in the future

 

I noticed that you have high blood pressure and are on medication for this

My blood pressure I measure at home. it averages 148/90, no medication

I don't want any more pills.

what do you think????

thanks for your time and your sharing

Love Debbie

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