hi from a new one, questions about Rituxan

Hi, I just found out about this site and am excited to learn there is a place I can come and ask questions of other RA patients.

I was diognased in 2005, I started with MTX, sulfasalizine & plaquinal, after not getting an aduquete responde I was changed to MTX and Enbrel, that only helped for less than 1 year. Changed to Humira, it did not help at all, then to Orenca which only slightly improved my condition. Then I was put on Remicade, after 8 months of treatment it barely helped at all. So now I am scheduled to start on Rituxan this coming Tuesday.

Has anyone had good results with Rituxan? How long does it take to start helping with the swolling & pain? I am experiencing the worst flair up I have had since I was diognaosed and am very hopeful to get some relief.

Also does anyone have any good ideas for homepathic therapy?

Hi Clara, welcome to the creaky boards!  Wow, it sounds like you've been through the wringer. [gentle hug]  I'm not on Rituxan, but there are some here who are. Hopefully they will chime in. Weekends are a little slow around here, so be patient.  

I was on mtx alone (well, with an NSAID) for a very long time and only last year added enbrel. So far the combination seems to be working, but for me it's more a case of seeing how it does over the long term. My disease flares roughly twice a year in the spring and fall, with relative quiet in between. If I get through a year to 18 months without a flare, then I'll know it's working.

I hope things are looking up for you soon!

Carolan

Hi Carolan,

I am glad to hear that only MTX and NSAID's are an option, as I am afraird that is all that is helping me at this time. I tend to flair as the barimetric pressure changes, and it sure changes alot here in South Florida.

It is so hard for me to think that I have to wait more than 1 year to know if a med is helping or not, but from the sounds of it that is the norm. I hope you continue to have good results with Enbrel.  Maybe someone will fill me in on Rituxan. I will let you know after my treatment how I do.

Take Care

Clara

Previously Carolan Ivey wrote:

Hi Clara, welcome to the creaky boards!  Wow, it sounds like you've been through the wringer. [gentle hug]  I'm not on Rituxan, but there are some here who are. Hopefully they will chime in. Weekends are a little slow around here, so be patient.  

I was on mtx alone (well, with an NSAID) for a very long time and only last year added enbrel. So far the combination seems to be working, but for me it's more a case of seeing how it does over the long term. My disease flares roughly twice a year in the spring and fall, with relative quiet in between. If I get through a year to 18 months without a flare, then I'll know it's working.

I hope things are looking up for you soon!

Carolan

Hi Clara!

I just ended my first round of treatments with Rituxan a few days ago and it definitely helped reduce the pain of the flare ups. I did it once every two weeks for six weeks and I didn't really see much improvement other than slightly decreasing the flare up.  I would feel pretty good for about three days after but then I would wake up stiff again.  I'm hoping that it will help in the long run though, maybe it just needs a while to kick in and do its job.  I've also been on everything that you've been on and had the same results... hopefully the Rituxan will work for you!

-Lindsey

Hello Clara,

Welcome to Creaky. I am not on Rituxan but wish you luck, I am still on MTX and Enbrel.  Though we are discussing the possibility of changing my meds again. (33 years with RA) since I am still having major flares and pain since my surgery in December. Doc wants to give it another 3 months before we make a switch. 

If I see any of the folks that haven't been creaky in awhile that are on Rituxan I will ask them to pick in and answer some of your questions. 

Tess

Hi Clara,

I'm also new on the message board and in South Florida I know what you mean by the weather getting to you. It has been horrible lately. I think I used the exact same words recently "worst flair up I've ever had".  I had my first round with Rituxan on Monday and will be getting my second round on the 10th. I have been feeling great for 2 days now. I'm hoping this will last I have energy with hardly any pain and I woke up this morning without any stiffness. Several people at work today said my color is looking really good. I take MTX, Plaquinel and Prednizone also. I hope this continues and that you have the same results I'm having.  I'm looking forward to hearing how your doing after your first treatment.

Cris

Hi Cris,

Thank you for the reply, I also did quite well on the Rutixan, I had my 1st infustion on Tuesday & by Wednesday my swellening was coming down some, and my hands have not hurt since Thursday. I am still very tired but have hope that that will improve also. I get my next round on the 11th and hope that I continue to get good results.

I am glad to hear that you are also having good results, I know being without the pain seems like more than half the battle. Please keep me posted on how you do and I will do the same.

Previously Cris Ericson wrote:

Hi Clara,

I'm also new on the message board and in South Florida I know what you mean by the weather getting to you. It has been horrible lately. I think I used the exact same words recently "worst flair up I've ever had".  I had my first round with Rituxan on Monday and will be getting my second round on the 10th. I have been feeling great for 2 days now. I'm hoping this will last I have energy with hardly any pain and I woke up this morning without any stiffness. Several people at work today said my color is looking really good. I take MTX, Plaquinel and Prednizone also. I hope this continues and that you have the same results I'm having.  I'm looking forward to hearing how your doing after your first treatment.

Cris

Hi Tess,

I hope you can find some relief soon, I know when I am flairing and then have to wait until they see if the meds were working then then the wait to change was very discourging. Most of the meds I have been on seems to help for a short time and then they were no help what so ever.

I hope you find the right treatment very soon.

Take Care

Clara

Previously TessaD wrote:

Hello Clara,

Welcome to Creaky. I am not on Rituxan but wish you luck, I am still on MTX and Enbrel.  Though we are discussing the possibility of changing my meds again. (33 years with RA) since I am still having major flares and pain since my surgery in December. Doc wants to give it another 3 months before we make a switch. 

If I see any of the folks that haven't been creaky in awhile that are on Rituxan I will ask them to pick in and answer some of your questions. 

 

Tess