Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Life after Rituxan?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I think I'm nearing the end of a stretch of successful Rituxan treatment. I'm wondering if there's anyone here who's moved on to successful treatment after having Rituxan fail. Thanks for any input.
Christine26
Christine26
I am on Rituxan now just started in January. First round did not hold me which is one of the reasons why I was reluctant to start Rituxan, but am giving the Rituxan a try. How long were you on Rituxan and what else have you been through? Hope you find something that works.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Christine,

I'm about to start my 8th treatment, dating back to April, 2008. I'm not ready to give up completely, but I've noticed a waning of effects for the last year and a half.

The "what else" is a very good question. Lots of other conditions, surgeries, etc. that have delayed treatments, added other questions.

We'll see. Nov. 6 is my next infustion. I'll report back.
Christine26
Christine26
Hi RowdyRedCat, Sorry you have been through a lot. My Rheumatologist and I have discussed the what if's of Rituxan not holding me and he mentioned me trying one of the other many biologics that I have been on again. I have been on almost all. I was wondering if you had been on several of the other biologics prior to going to Rituxan as I thought Rituxan was one of the last or next to last choices. I hope Nov. 6th's infusion set proves to work for you. Keeping my fingers crossed.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks, Christine. I had a pretty straight line to Rituxan. Near deadly reaction to Remicade, so my Rheumy ruled out all anti-TNF's. That was before Actemra, so that left Orencia and Kineret, other than Rituxan. I'm still light years beyond where I was without it, so I'm hoping this is only a bump.