If that is a rare side effect of Rituxan, maybe you should try it. What if that was the wonder drug that worked for you. All the biologics might cause something. If you are fairly healthy besides the RA usually they don't have a problem with the meds. If your doctor thinks you would be alright then give it a try. He will test your blood and you can let him know if you notice anything. All meds even OTC have side effects. Tylenol is the #1 killer of livers.

Good point about the Tylenol! I was deathly afraid to take mtx, but my head hasn't fallen off or anything. Good luck. Trish

I've taken Rituxan for a few years now. It works best for me and I've tried humira, remicade, enbrel, and orencia.

Hello, I have the same story! I have tried just about every medication available and picked up all kinds of toxic side effects. I was recently introduced to an all natural alternative. It is formulated from the Dead Sea minerals, Inula Viscosa, plants and herbs. I have seen a little improvement, but I want to wait for at least 90days to be sure.
Meanwhile, good luck with your new medication. I hope it works for you.

Sending you hugs and encouragement. Nothing seems to be helping me lately. Maybe it's the winter. Trying to be grateful. Hugs.

Thanks everyone! I just got back on site today. Been sick and busy with school. I'm still waiting for Remicade approval but am also investigating antibiotic therapy. I was sick with that upper respiratory infection an on antibiotic and felt no RA symptoms so I started doing some research on antibiotic use for RA. Very interesting! Thanks for the support!

Hi Life,
I have taken Rituxan for a couple of years...no problems. Just now not sure if it is working so well...flare ups and the usual pains in joints and muscles. Dr added 10 ml Prednisone...not hurting as much but, not good to stay on. Shall get more blood work next week. Rituxan has worked for many...good luck
Bobbi

Hey 2short,
I'm there with ya. Ugh, double ugh.
Will your insurance cover the Vectra DA test? It will tell you and your rheum, which antibodies you are producing. Which in turn tells you which biologic is warranted.

The newest one, Xeljanz, has provisional approval for the FDA, it can only be prescribed if you have failed every other biologic on the market. It targets the Janus kinase pathway, it is a very small molecule. Though it is promising for oh so many who haven't gotten relief. Arthritis Today just posted a blurb about it and Kelly Young, from RA Warrior, has been an advocate for its approval, as she has failed all biologics. You may want to look into their reporting, to help educate yourself on it.
Hugs

How did you go with Actemra? This is the first and only bio I've been on, and I'm feeling pretty good. Hope you find something you can live with soon...

Should have added, IL6 blocker, so different mechanism to the tnfs...