Generic Name: Rituxan for Rheumatoid Arthritis (rituximab)
Rituxan for Rheumatoid Arthritis Reviews
"I have had 2 infusions of Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis. Within 4 days of the first infusion, I was beginning to feel better. I am 5 days out from my second infusion, and I can already move with little or no pain for the first time in over a year. For me, it's been a lifesaver."
"After failing all other RA treatments, I was high-dose steroid dependent and running out of options. I'll admit, the PML risk had scared me off from trying Rituxan sooner, however, the increasing (and very real) risk of becoming non-functional scared me more. I began infusions about 4 years ago. While most patients receive concomitant methotrexate therapy, I do not, due to liver damage from previous methotrexate use. Rituxan has improved my quality of life physically, mentally, emotionally. My advanced RA will never allow me to live 'normally', but I am the best me I can be with this treatment. Side effects are minimal for me, nausea for a few days after each infusion. That's my story!"
"Rituxan has completely changed my life for the better. I was in a clinical trial and tried several other medications with some success, but my symptoms eventually returned. After four sessions of Rituxan over a two-year period, I stopped seeing my RA doctor because I had no symptoms. I am now going into my 4th year without pain. I am playing softball, tennis, and golf without any pain. I highly recommend this drug to anyone dealing with RA."
"In mid-December of 2018, I had my first infusion after others like Orencia no longer worked. I was scared of this drug because of the noted side effects. I had no pain in my joints after my first infusion. A day later, I had a lot of energy and did not get tired like before. I went 2 weeks later for the second infusion and continue to feel no pain. No side effects so far. Finally got off steroids. I did feel very tired last night, a first. Perhaps it was because I was really tired. Woke up this morning feeling well-rested and no pain. I hope this is a sign of things to come."
"This is the first day I've had ZERO pain in 6 years. I tried Enbrel - good but not strong enough after 2 years. Humira - allergic. I just finished my second infusion from Rituxan. And I am cautiously happy. Absolutely no pain anywhere."
"Entering the 7th hour of the process during my 1st infusion; I experienced annoying itching deep within my ears, back of throat, head and face. Shortly after the 'push', increasing the drip, I broke out into hives on my face, head and neck with red welts ironically appearing in the areas where I had historically given myself the Enbrel injections...front of both thighs and stomach. Enbrel had stopped its effectiveness after almost 2 years and it had been almost 1 month from my last injection prior to the infusion. My doctor made the decision to discontinue the infusion fearing that my allergic reaction may cause anaphylaxis."
"I'm sensitive & allergic to more meds than not. I was diagnosed with RA 10 years ago at 35 years old. We tried everything, and decided on Rituxan, which scared me, but I'm so grateful I tried it! The first one was very uncomfortable. I can't take any steroids (very allergic), so I rely on Benadryl IV. I had a mild reaction toward the end and felt bad for days. Two weeks later, same thing happened. I thought, I'm not doing this if I'm going to feel rubbish for two weeks. Almost exactly four months later, I started feeling all the fun stuff that had gone with RA. I had forgotten how I typically felt. It worked very quickly for me and has only gotten better. I went to my doctor, she said, 'you're a four-month person.' Personally, Rituxan was the starting point of a complete life shift. I felt better, which gave me energy, allowing me to slowly start going to the gym, which goes hand in hand with eating clean. It has been a life-changing medication for me."
"I had my first round 6 months ago, sitting here starting my 2nd round as we speak. No side effects, and even though my joints are still swollen, I feel so much better. My doctor is hopeful that this round will help with the inflammation. I'll get my 2nd dose with this round in 2 weeks!! I'm hopeful and thankful."
"I had my first infusion with no problems during administration, but two weeks after, I had to go to the E.R. with a heart arrhythmia and had to have my heart shocked back into normal rhythm. Two days later, I had my second infusion with no problems during administration. Two weeks later, the same thing...back to the E.R....heart shocked back into rhythm. My heart rate was stuck at 150 bpm. I had to be put in the hospital for four days to be given an anti-arrhythmic drug that can also cause a fatal arrhythmia. So I would be cautious if you have any type of heart problem prior to taking Rituxan. I will not ever take it again."
"I’ve been on Rituxan infusions two to three times a year for 10 years. My RA symptoms are virtually non-existent. Don’t want to change meds/therapies. Tried Enbrel with methotrexate, Remicade with methotrexate. None of the above gave me relief until Rituxan!"
"I have rheumatoid arthritis for the last 26 years, tried numerous drugs for it: methotrexate, hydrochloride, gold injections, Enbrel, but had really bad side effects. Then, the consultant put me on Rituximab 10 years ago. I feel much better, have less joint pain. I get itchy skin, especially after a shower, have to take an antihistamine tablet sometimes, headaches, but I cope with all that. It’s worth it. I am thankful for that drug, it really does help."
"Did not finish first treatment, had scratchy throat reaction. I was there about 4 1/2 hours, getting the medicine for about 50 minutes. I think I could have tolerated it longer, but they quit. What I really don't understand is why this has to be such a massive expensive procedure. I could feel the achiness dissipating in the 50 minutes. Why isn't there a shorter simpler method/option? I would be willing to continue if it were given, say once a month, in a smaller dose and simpler less expensive procedure. probably causing less reaction. Why? Why? Why?"
"I used it very successfully following Mabthera and was in remission for 2 years after my last treatment. I then had a big flare-up and have had the two infusions but still suffering with pain. Hoping the Rituxan will kick in soon. It's been 9 weeks since the first infusion. If it works like before, it's fantastic as it lasts a long time, and I didn't really have any side effects. Just wish it wasn't so expensive as insurance doesn't cover me, so it's a huge expense."
"Rituxan has definitely helped my RA. I have had many side effects. Developed Specific Antibody Deficiency from taking Rituxan. I react to it if it's given too fast; itchy throat, cough, itchy face, red face. I always feel sort of 'flu-like' for several days after my infusion. Once I am past all the side effects, it really does make me feel better."
"I am diagnosed with both RA and LUPUS and am taking medication for 7+ years (two infusions every 4 months). Medication avoided any visible joint deformations and keeps joint swelling in control. On the LUPUS side, since Rituxan, my organs are very thankful and autoimmune is not able to do any significant damage to any of the organs ... and how I know it ... I was pretty sick for years before Rituxan. Nothing is free though, there are a few side effects which I am able to deal with easily, but as I age and the longer I take this medication, fatigue lasts longer and longer after each infusion. I simply stay in bed longer. I plan on taking the Rituxan as long as my body can deal with the fatigue."
"I had the 2 doses, and it didn't work at all for me. It's been 3 weeks since the last one and no improvement at all. I'm really sad, I was hoping for relief. My fingers, toes, shoulders, knees and ankles are all still a mess."
"I have been receiving infusions for a few years and am very pleased with my results. I have 2 infusions every four months , 15 days apart, reduced from originally every six months. The speed that it takes to get into my system required a shorter space of time between sections. The only side effect I have is not sleeping the night after the infusion. I know it’s working as I can feel when I am nearing the end of the medicine gets near. It has slowed the effects like swelling in my hands and feet, my knees hurting and shoulder pain."
"I had my first infusion of Rituxan yesterday. I had RA for 6 years and have never gotten rid of my pain after trying 7 other medications. Had some relief but not enough, My doctor PREMEDICATED me with benadryl, tylenol and IV solumedrol. I started to itch then burn like anything with pain. It went down the back of my sinuses to my throat and down my esphogus very quickly. This sounds crazy, but she said it was a gastrointestinal side effect and gave me IV PEPCID. It worked. I felt better in 2 minutes and all the symptoms were gone in 20 minutes and never returned. I will need Pepcid during every IV. It is NOT considered a reaction, but a side effect. Hope this helps someone. I seen others with these symptoms and the doctor gave up on the med. I will add to this review in 6 months and let you know how it worked. Today I feel better with some less pain but not sure if it is the med or the IV steroids that is doing this. Take care and feel better everyone."
"I feel for Kid in his comments, I too have severe itching of the skin, and have been on rituxan for almost ten years,I am also always cold and feels like my skin is thinning, told my rummy but nothing done yet."
"For me, Rituxan has been the best medicine yet. I have been through Enbrel and Humira, which helped but began to lose their effectiveness after a while."
"I had two infusions. Both lasted 18-20 hours. I couldn't tolerate the infusion faster than 33ml/hr. I would get chest pain and muscle rigors. MD refused to continue after that."
"I have taken this medicine Rituxan in 2018 November. After first course of Rituxan, I observed difference after 2 month. My pain gradually decreased to zero pain."
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