Chemo meds for Grave's Disease?

I am on levothyroxine and have been on some sort of this type of hypo med since 15...

My query is about my sis-in-law who was recently diagnosed with Grave's Disease. Her Ocular Specialist has recommended a chemo drug for her treatment.. I can find nothing on this issue --is it out there somewhere?
Thanks,
Roni

BTW: This is the drug:

rituximab

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607038.html#why

Edited to make link active.

Post Edited By Moderator (Judy2) : 4/25/2012 5:26:26 AM (GMT-6)

This is very interesting, and presents possibilities for the future. Thanks for posting. At this point, however, I'd be reluctant to take this route.

The possible side effects of this drug are pretty grim. I'm on a different genetically engineered biological, but really have no choice there as none of the less dangerous drugs helped me.

The potential side effects for levothyroxine are basically those of hyperthyroidism, plus allergic reactions.

http://allsideeffects.net/levothyroxine-side-effects/

 The potential side effects for Rituxumab include skin problems that can be fatal and a leukodystrophy (a condition where the brain deteriorates and which is always fatal.) It has a red-box warning, which is the second highest level of warning the FDA uses. The odds of getting a severe allergic reaction are much higher with the biologicals than with older drugs. I'm glad they're doing research, but at this point it looks a little like going after a mosquito with a sledge hammer.

Thanks for your reply...I knew it was scary and personally would have opted for the surgery; BUT it was not My choice. I have been OK with my hypothyroid meds from the get-go and it has been decades. She still has her thyroid and is messing around with all manner of stuff That stuff is called experimental for a reason; but then it is also ALL called practice for a reason as well...
Roni

Please go to rituximab.com this is an experimental drug still. In fact, I'd get a second medical opinion if it was me. My doctor wants me on this same drug, but I bulked and froze like a statue when I read the "side effects." This and that can lead to death and I'm thinking "whatttt????"

Also, I dont think your doctor is really familar with it, as the site mentions nothing that I saw at least about thyroid problems. I could of missed it though. We all miss things, as we are all human.