Rituximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2012

"I had my first infusion almost 6 weeks ago and the 2nd 15 days later. I had no problems at all during the infusions, which was painless. The day after the infusion, I woke up with the feeling that my hands were burning and tingling badly, that lasted most of the day. After the 2nd infusion, I woke up on and off during the night with my eye burning. I think my mobility has improved a bit, but I hope it improves more over the next couple of weeks. For the last few days, I have had pain in my neck and jaw and feelings of dizziness, hopefully, this will pass. I will update my progress over the next few weeks."

• TLB...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 4, 2024

Rituximab "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."

• Dal...
• January 10, 2016

"I am a 55-year-old male that has been diagnosed with RA. I've been on Rituxan now for 6 years. Through trial and error, it lasted me effectively for one year. By choice, I stopped taking methotrexate that they said should accompany Rituxan about the same time I started infusions. My reasons being reading the possible side effects from methotrexate to one's liver. This drug has been a lifesaver for me from sleepless nights from chronic pain and not being able to walk or even go to work. I have to say it's really giving my life back to me. I've also learned not to ever let this drug wear off because it's, at least for me, like jumping off a cliff. The pain comes back so fast it's unbearable."

• LJr...
• May 29, 2016

"Took my first dose of Rituxan in Dec 2014 and then 2 weeks later. I was diagnosed with RA in 2000. Took Mtx and Arava - had no disabilities. Didn't like the Mtx, it made my hair thin and fall out. Was placed on Sulfasalazine and took that for 12 years. I had Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2005 and was treated and went into remission. About four years ago, my rheumatoid arthritis pain and suffering really kicked in and really took over my hands and my feet. My new rheumatologist prescribed Rituxan for me. My first dose was in 2014, as I explained. My next dose was in December 2015. I did not feel its effects for about four months. I feel like a new person. A little side effect with each infusion - internal itching ears. Try it."

• Kid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2019

"Started rituximab infusions 7th and 21st March 2019, no problems then. 6 weeks later, massive skin infection, scratching and itching. Tried self-help with antihistamine and skin cream. Could not contact anyone at Rheumatology, contacted own GP, put on antibiotics and steroid cream. On 11th June, check-up with Rheumatology nurse, now suspect cellulitis, contact own GP as soon as possible. GP prescribed more antibiotics. Now it's 8 weeks on and still scratching. When will this nightmare end? I wish I had never gotten involved with rituximab."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2018

"Having hit nearly all the RA treatments over 15 years and having issues with them, including through-the-roof eosinophilia, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, and pulmonary fibrosis, I needed something other than another TNF drug. I found some information about Rituxan that led me to think a B cell depletion drug might at least prevent or lessen attacks. I talked to my rheumatologist, and he agreed. In the year and a half on Rituxan, I have had zero obvious joint flares and no eye issues. No noticeable side effects. I'm happy."

• Mar...
• October 21, 2016

"I completed my second set of Rituxan infusions two months ago. Some success after the first set and much more success after the second set. I have more energy, fewer flare-ups, sleep much better, navigate better, and feel much better overall. I've had no side effects, either during or after the infusions. I still have pain and lack of function in my hands, arms, and shoulders, however, nothing like I experienced before the infusions. I was diagnosed with RA six years ago and have taken and stopped Methotrexate (intolerance) and Plaquenil (repeating vision testing due to irregularities). I've been on Arava for two years with no side effects. My vector score was 45 and is now down to 33. Thank you, Rituxan!!!"

• Cin...
• May 22, 2020

"I’ve had RA since approximately 1986. Been on Riduara, Minocycline, and Methotrexate (which I absolutely hated!). In 2000, I started infusions. Remicade for 14 years and then just stopped working. Tried Orencia for three months - never worked. Rheumatologist put me on Actrema - some success for about 18 months and then it quit working altogether. In 2016, my Rheumatologist put me on Rituxan. I’m on a 16-week/2-week cycle. It’s been great. I sometimes have trouble sleeping the night of my infusion (due to Solumedrol I have to take with it) and then really fatigued for a couple of days after - but I’ll take it. My joints seldom hurt, never swell - I generally feel fine. As with any biologic - I have to be careful not to catch anything (even a simple cold can knock me on my butt) - but I’ve been dealing with that issue for many years. Overall - I’m happy with the results."

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 22, 2016

"This will probably only be relevant in the UK. Insurance not relevant. I have been on rituximab for over three years, I find it works very well with negligible side effects. I've had treatments twice a year, but on asking for my next treatment, I was told that because of new funding rules, I can't have it unless I am on methotrexate too. I took oral MTX for 10 years until I developed liver enzymes in blood and severe fatigue. I was offered self-administered injections, which 'have fewer side effects.' But I became very unwell with each successive jab. I had to stop them. I am now not on any anti-TNF drugs, and my health is failing rapidly. My GP is very helpful and is trying to sort this out. Why no provision for people who react badly to MTX?"

• Stu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 7, 2016

"I'm in the UK, so the questions regarding insurance and costs do not apply. Following DMARD and latterly anti-TNF treatment's loss of efficacy, rituximab was prescribed. After the first course, it took four months to work, but when it did, I felt day and night different! My flares returned within four months, and a second course was given eight months after the first. Rheumy established that my disease activity was such that I needed six-month interval treatments, and I have just completed my fourth treatment. Side effects: nothing during, but almost immediately post-infusion, I'm wiped out (heavy!), restless, and get a headache. Goes within three days or so. Rituximab works perfectly for me - no flares now the treatment is regular."

• joc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 23, 2024

Rituximab "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2022

Rituximab "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."

• aza...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 5, 2024

Rituximab "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."

• Cav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2020

"I have RA and had my first round of Rituxan on 22 June and going for second dose 8 July. Felt pretty great for the first few days with little side effects, thankfully, as so far I’ve been allergic to pretty much everything. Tried Actemra, Xeljanz, Methotrexate, and prednisone with little to no relief and a lot of allergies. Woke up in a lot of pain today and am glad I found this page. It seems like it will take a while to start working, so I’ll continue to hang in there and be hopeful. Good luck to everyone."

• 27 ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 2, 2020

"I have been using Rituxin for the last ten years, getting approximately a year and a half between infusions. Previously, I tried every possible group of medications. Nothing worked well. Rituxin gave me my life back. I am 70 and skiing 2-3 marathons a year."

• Ach...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2018

Rituximab "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?"

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2022

Rituximab "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 esophagus 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 are doing this. Take care and feel better, everyone."

• Dil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2017

"I had to go off of Enbrel and go on Rituxan because I had developed a melanoma. They felt that the Rituxan was less likely to cause a repeat of the melanoma than any of the other biologics. It actually took two months for it to begin to work. Once it began working, though, it started quickly. I still have to take a low dose of prednisone every day and some pain medicine, but for the most part it is much more effective. Have only had the two original infusions, so I can't say what it will do long term. I had a slight reaction during the infusion, but they slowed it down and increased the Benadryl, and everything was fine. I had to pay $3,000 of the cost of the two infusions since my insurance (Tricare) will not discount."

• Gin...
• February 6, 2016

"Had my first infusion yesterday. It had to be stopped just after an hour and a half due to a rash that developed on my face and spread to my chest and back and severe itching. The doctors took the decision to stop the treatment altogether. Waiting to see my rheumatologist next week to look at options. Have had to stop methotrexate, Enbrel, and Humira due to side effects. Not sure what is left! At 4:40 am and I have been up since 2 am with severe itching. The joys of this lovely disease and the side effects of the meds. But can't fault the medical team for their support and efforts."

• Hea...
• May 19, 2016

"Yesterday - 5th course Rituximab infusions. 2016, last 18 months ago, I thought I was in remission. Despite a complete removal of processed foods and a very healthy diet and exercise 'plan' (self-motivated), I had a big flare-up. I have refused Methotrexate for 2.5 years, having tried for 3 years. I'm happier and healthier. The first ever infusion was stopped due to an allergic reaction in the throat, mouth, and rash on the face and chest. But Piriton was given, and the infusion continued. Piriton is now given to everyone now (UK Chester), before infusion, and advice to take to combat further reactions: rash, sore throat, etc., for 3 days after. This works. I feel washed out, headache 3-6 days, steroid shakes, lack of sleep, flushes, but no ill effects between courses, 7 months apart."

• She...
• April 19, 2016

"I am waiting to get final approval for this drug. I spoke to a lady who has been on it for 4 years, and she said that it takes a few days to get over an infusion, but it's just a headache and tiredness. She says this drug has given her life back, so a small price to pay. Can't wait to get this drug!"

• dub...
• March 26, 2011

"I have had 2 Rituximab infusions for rheumatoid arthritis, the last one 2 1/2 months ago. I sailed through the infusions with no problem, but 3 or 4 days later, I had extreme edema and burning pain in both lower legs, muscle pain all over my body, felt like I have the flu, and some loss of coordination. I was on 40 mg Lasix for another problem, and my doctor increased it to 80 mg daily, along with Zaroxyl, extra potassium 4 weeks ago, and for the first time today, my legs are normal size. I'll probably discontinue the extra diuretics when I see my doctor tomorrow."

• Luk...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 15, 2016

"I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis as well as vasculitis when I was 5. I'm 38 now and still move remarkably well. I've had my ups and downs through the years, but these disease-modifying drugs are miracles. I've been on Rituxan for 4 years now. My infusions do take longer than usual since I do experience a cold sweat trembling reaction if the medicine is stepped up too fast. Actually, I find the pretreatment meds more difficult than the Rituxan. The Benadryl puts me to sleep for most of it, however, the Medrol makes me bounce off the walls later in the evening. Usually, by the next day, all is well. I can live 8 months to a year virtually arthritis-free."

• RAf...
• April 12, 2015

"The steroid push with the first dose gave me a whirlwind of energy. I am using it to help CIPD - a dying nerve disease. My body started attacking my nerves and I now have fast-moving, dense neuropathy in my feet, legs, hands, and forearms. Mayo Clinic decided that this would be a good treatment since I suffer from RA as well. I take methotrexate once weekly with the Rituxan. The crash came 3 days later, and I felt the effects of the chemo on my body hard. I threw up a few times, felt like the worst hangover ever for the rest of the week (had infusion Tuesday, now is Sunday). I am still fighting nausea. I really, really liked the steroid energy a lot. Now my joints and bones are screaming narcotics. Sleep is not very good for me yet. It's only been 6 days, though."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 10, 2021

Rituximab "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 sessions. 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. It has slowed the effects like swelling in my hands and feet, my knees hurting, and shoulder pain."