Comments | rheumatoid: Rituxan?

funnel101 in rheumatoid

Rituxan?

Nov 09, 2010 17:04

Any of you on Rituxan? What have been your experiences with it? I've been on Enbrel for 10 years and my JRA isn't being as well-controlled as it used to be. Also, are any of you on Medicare? Have you had any problems getting Medicare Part B to cover Rituxan?

Thanks!

Comments 7

lnearth November 10 2010, 13:59:03 UTC

I'm sorry I can't answer your question about Rituxan because I take methotrexate, which I am having problems with--at the current dose it's not bringing down inflammation fast enough according to my rheumy, so he increased the dosage which makes me sick. I'm in a dilemma where to go next since for the past year I've spent too much time being wiped out instead of getting things done! I do have a question for you if that's ok--what has your experience been like on Enbrel? How is it administered--side effects? I see the ads and have been looking into it, but it's good to have a 'real' user's take on it. Thanks so much. I hope things get better for you soon!

funnel101 November 10 2010, 20:52:51 UTC

Enbrel is a subcutaneous injection like methotrexate. If you haven't yet switched to methotrexate injections, I'd suggest trying that before switching to Enbrel.

Side effects that I've had on Enbrel have been fairly mild: some injection site itching for a day or so, but that's pretty much it. Like methotrexate, I skip my Enbrel dose when I'm sick (I was actually on mtx for 10 years or so before switching to Enbrel; I became seriously allergic to mtx and had liver toxicity).

lnearth November 10 2010, 21:02:52 UTC

Thanks! What is the reason for trying methotrexate injections before switching?

funnel101 November 10 2010, 21:06:03 UTC

MTX injections won't upset your stomach and can be taken at a higher dose. Orally, mtx can only be given up to 25mg, so if you need a higher dose, you'd need to switch to injections.

Thread 5

ext_316671 November 10 2010, 15:54:08 UTC

Enbrel, Humira, methotrexate, arava... they all stopped working for me. Been on Rituxan for 2 years now. And it really seems to be working, at least for now. I just finished my 4th infusion cycle. The first 3 were tough. I had some side effects, but felt great about a week after it was done. This last time, I had no issues. The infusion went smoothly and I felt great a few days later. Will keep taking the Rituxan as long as it works.

funnel101 November 10 2010, 20:53:24 UTC

Do you have Medicare, by any chance? I'm hoping to get some idea of how expensive Rituxan is on Medicare.