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Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication - Rituximab

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 5/5/2007 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 2 years ago and have since been on the drug merry-go-round with no luck. I have tried all the approved drugs in Australia except Rituximab. On the net it talks only of this drug being given through injection 2 weeks apart and thats' it. My doctor led me to believe that it is an oral pill and you take just one. My concern with this is that past medications have caused side effects but I was able to stop medications to correct this. It in fact it is just one pill, how do you overcome possible side effects. My other query to all fellow sufferers out there is, do you think it is worth trying the natural therapies now that all the doctors resources are depleted. My paint is in both feet and is now at the stage where I can barely walk. I am 42 with a 2 and 5 year old daughters. My husband works away on the mines and life is miserable. I would appreciate any advice out there. This is the first time I have hooked onto a chat site. Thanks guys.
Posted 5/7/2007 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
hi there,

well i just wanted to say, that even though it seems like an never ending struggle, just try to hang in there....this is a great forum to come vent & get new information...i know it has helped me so far..

as the drug that u are talking about, if its the same one that im thinking of...it may help u...The one im thinking about is a drug called Rituxan....its giving intravenously...and its usally done in an out patient setting.

I work at a hospital in Nyc...and ive spoken with a few patients that have done this type of treatment, and they have all swear by it..im actually thinkin about trying this drug myself...becuase i too am getting fed up & depressed with feeling like crap all the time, and its hard not being able to feel like a human being....

and i know for me its hard to watch my freinds & family having to deal with the disease as well even though i know that care & love me for me, but sometimes we all have to take chances on new things....unfornately there isnt a cure, but right now u just gotta have faith and know, that eventually u will find the right combonation of meds to keep u stable...

as far as natural remedys, i think its a great idea to incorporate them into ur lifestyle...I once read an article that sometimes RA can be caused by enviromental factors, and food allergic reactions like such foods like, white breads, white flour, and foods that are processed....soo try eating more raw organic foods if possible and include lots of omega 3 into ur diet...it will take time but may help as well....

Good luck with everything...and I wish u many blessings on getting into remmission...

ttyl
babz
Posted 5/7/2007 6:12 AM (GMT 0)

Hello, welcome to HW.

 

Sorry you've not had success with other treatments for your RA. It has to be very hard trying to look after little ones when you can barely walk. It must be tough not having your husband at home for his help & support. Do you have other family or friends nearby to help?

 

I found this brochure to be informative about RITUXIMAB.

http://www.mabthera-ra.com/gear/newcontents/servlet/staticfilesServlet?type=data&communityId=re745001&id=static/attachedfile/re7300002/re71700003/AttachedFile_04313.pdf

 

It isn't a pill unfortunately but an infusion that takes several hours to administer. METHOTREXATE (a pill) is commonly used along with RITUXIMAB.

 

I hope this information is helpful. Wishing you success with your treament and hoping you'll be running around soon with your kiddies. yeah Please come back and visit often, let us know how you're doing and especially if you just want to hear a friendly voice...we're all in the same boat!  :-)   

-Jem

Post Edited (Jemima Puddleduck) : 5/8/2007 8:49:10 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/8/2007 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys for your words of encouragement. Babz, rituxam is the same drug but somehow over here we get it in tablet form. I know I have to keep positive especially for the kids but some days are just worse than others.
Jem, I will try your link and hopefully get some better info. I do have my parents here and they are very helpful with the kids. I WILL stay in touch via this website and let you know my next course of action. I've just ordered 2 bottles of Green Lip Mussel pills from Newzealand. They are called mobicosa and have been shouted about on the tv lately. YOU NEVER KNOW!!! Thanks again.
Posted 5/9/2007 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi catmommy, I am pleased to hear about your success with Rituxan and hopefully I should be starting soon. I received my green mussell tablets today called Mobicosa and hope they offer some relief. What is Acai juice, I have never heard of it and where do you get it. I am in Perth Western Australia.
Posted 5/9/2007 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't know what Acai juice was until I googled it...some sort of berry from the Amazon jungle. You can get it in juices and tablet form in the US. One online retailer ships internationally but I would imagine you can get it in OZ. Try googling it.

-Jem
Posted 5/9/2007 6:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Jem, I'll have a go. Anything is worth trying at this stage.
Posted 5/9/2007 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
jem, I just googled Acai. The juice over here in Oz is $60 a bottle, which I can imagine doesnt last very long. It is that expensive for you to buy?
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