Rituximab

Saxophone555

Hi everyone, I'm new on here not computer or phone literate so please excuse. 5years ago I was taking Warfarin for a few Dvts. I'd been on them for approx 7 years when a new doctor changed my tablets for another blood thinner called Apixiban.Within a fortnight I was taken to hospital and given massive doses of steroids to calm my inflammation down.I was kept in for a week and my body went into shock. I developed Rheumatoid arthritis. I was put on Methotrexate,injecting once a week for 5 years. The consultant decided after 5 years it was damaging my liver this was last year. They decided to now put me on biologics, a drug called Ritaximab,these are given as an infusion. The first infusion sent me into shock after the first 20 mins, fortnight later they managed to get the second one in ok. The second one was on Nov. 12 but nothing happening except that my arthritis is now crippling me it has escalated to a point my wife has to wash and dress me. I have a video call with the consultant next week but wish she could see how iv deteriorated in the last 8-9 weeks only . I know we shouldn't believe all we hear and say iv been on utube to get some information about Ritaximab and one doctor said it could take up to 3-4 months to work.? Can anyone help.

Ellen

Hi @Saxophone555 welcome to the online community. Please don't worry about being computer savvy everyone here is very understanding. As you can imagine some of us have trouble with our hands and mis-type, some are using voice activated software etc. I have moved your post here so it's obvious to anyone who can help/has experience with your medication.

I can see from your post that you are having a really, really tough time at the moment with your Rheumatoid Arthritis, which sounds to be very active, and have recently started on Rituximab. You are right it can take some time to work and I expect your consultant will want to persevere for a while longer.

You are wise to avoid looking on social media for advice it can be very hit and miss.

These are some posts/threads from people using the forum:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?domain=all_content&query=rituximab&scope=site&source=community

I genuinely believe your consultant will understand just how bad you are feeling when you have your videocall next week if you explain as well as you have in your post here. I hope your wife can be present during your consultation to express her own opinion too.

Hopefully someone here has experience of your medication and will share their own experience I am pretty sure @TiredWarrior takes it so may be able to help.

My very best wishes

Ellen.

frogmorton

Hello @Saxophone555

I am so so sorry to hear what a rough time you are having. It's so unfair when this condition takes a long time to get under control. I have been lucky so far and not needed biologics, but really wanted to offer my support to you and your wife.

Interesting to read that it seemed to be triggered by a bout of ill-health for you. We have had people here who started with it after infections like covid, some even vaccinations, some pregnancy. I often wonder whether some of us were predisposed to getting it and it just takes one thing to trigger it off for us.

Your post really says it as it is and I hope you and your wife will together prepare something for your video consultation next week. I am very glad it's so soon and hope you will let us know how you get on.

Sending you some ((()))

Toni x