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Rituxin users out there?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 4/19/2013 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
Anyone out there taking Rituxan? My rheumy suggested I look into Rituxan since Orencia infusions quit working along with prednisone & methotrexate. I'm pretty creeped out after reading the side affects😧. Thanks in advance for your help!
Posted 4/19/2013 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! :)

Yes, I started the Rituxan infusions last summer. I've had 4 of them so far. This was my last biologic, so I didn't have a choice. Thankfully, I haven'ttoo many side effects, so far. At least nothing serious. I did have a bad pain in my right leg muscles off and on for 2 weeks which I've never experienced before. My Rheumy and another health care worker said that Rituxan was not the cause. I came across another lady who had the similar leg pains(in both legs) after an infusion of Rituxan. I wonder what else we have in common that would cause it.

I know how you feel but the worse side effects are rare thankfully.
Posted 4/20/2013 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
I had Rituxan infusions in Jan. I had some itching issues and was given a steroid and benadryl with it and thsaat stopped the issues.
I felt wonderful after the infusions. My pain level was down and my energy level came up. I have felt lots better until the last 7-10 days and I am achy all over and have the enrgy of dead cat.

I have not called my rheumy yet. I have came down off my steroid dose ssince the infusions and I am afraid she will say go back up on the dose or schedule me for another infusion soon. I have wanted and worked so hard to get off the steroids. I am down to 7mg a day.

I am going to give it a few more days and I may have to call her yet.

By the way I use a large teaching hosp and my rheumy said they have not had anyone with the dise effects that are listed. The side effects creeped me out to .
Posted 4/21/2013 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on it for 2 1/2 years now. It was my last option, as my liver couldn't handle mthx or any of the other biologics. Other that a withdrawal reaction to the cortisone pre-loading dose last time (I only took 20 mg of prednisone on my infusion last week) I have had no reactions.

Sadly, it only works for about 4 1/2 months and then I go into failure, because my insurance will not allow infusions more often than every 6 months, although there was 4 month protocol in the initial stages. I was also told it was dangerous to take it that often. I have not had an increase in infections, in other words - I have had none. But I have to bridge with prednisone and my teeth have been affected by it. Mind you, I have been on and off that terrible drug for almost 20 years between asthma and RA.

I think it is a good drug for RA, providing it works. Let us know what happens.
Posted 4/21/2013 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks you guys:)! It's great to have this forum to hear how things are/aren't working for us. Before Orencia I used Humira, Enbrel, Imuran, gold treatments (long ago) & have taken prednisone for more than 20 years & methotrexate for around 10 years.

Would anyone know why my rheumy wouldn't consider Actemra or Remicade before trying Rituxin? I haven't tried either of these yet. But I'm sure they have plenty of side affects too.

Thanks again for your help. I am thankful to have found such a great support & resource.

Keep me posted on how you all are doing too:)!
Posted 4/22/2013 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
I had only used plaquenil and sterods.

My rheumy chose Rituxan because its easy of the liver and I have had liver issues before.
Posted 4/22/2013 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
I had only used plaquenil and sterods.

My rheumy chose Rituxan because its easy of the liver and I have had liver issues before.
Posted 4/25/2013 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Bluejeans,
Do you still take Plaquenil? I just started it 3 days ago and wondering how it worked or works for you? I also take prednisone.
Posted 4/29/2013 2:19 AM (GMT 0)

I have been on plaquenil since 2004.  I see my eye Dr. every 6 months, and have had no problems.

I have been on 10 mg predisone for almost 2 years.  I got worse around Thanksgiving and was given 2 infusions of Rituxan in January. It really has helped and I have been able to lower my predisone to 7 mg a day.  I hope to taper off of it completely.

Hope you do qwell.

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