Re: Rituxan, Cytoxan, Abatacept

[Guest guest]

Lori

I think between us, just every drug has been taken by someone in this group.

If you have question you are in the right place. Personally I have taken

plaquenil,, sulfazine, humeri,prednsone, mobic, vioxx,celebrx and MTX, Currently

I am on prednsone MTX and prednsone, and talking about starting one of the new

infusion drugs in September. in WI

Lori Maynard <lorimaynard@...> wrote:

Does anyone here have any first hand experience with any of these

drugs for

RA treatment?

Lori

[Guest guest]

Lori,

I just finished the two loading doses for Rituxan about 4 days ago. After

the first infusion I noticed a very distinct improvement in general pain and

energy. The sharper joint pains are still there, but the swelling is down,

and I am no longer experiencing weather related flares (usually triggered by

moves in the barometric pressure). Before the Rituxan, I had to take a daily

nap because of fatigue. No naps have been necessary since the first

infusion.

The treatment starts with two loading doses - 5 to 10 hour infusions two

weeks apart. At my doctor's office, they gave me an antihistamine, Tylenol

and a steroid to help counteract reactions. After the first dosage, I had a

headache and was shaky and dizzy for a few days. My blood pressure went

down quite a bit. After the second dosage, the headache returned for a

couple of days, but there was less dizziness and my blood pressure stayed

steady. The next infusion could be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years from

now. I really like that!

For background, I have severe RA which has put me in a wheelchair part-time.

I am 49 years old and can work only about 10 hours per week (I'm a financial

planner). Some activities of daily living have been a struggle because I can

no longer bend my left elbow very much. I was originally diagnosed about 18

years ago, and have been on Naprosyn, Methotrexate (still take it), Arava,

Humira, Remicaide and Prednisone. I have also participated in two clinical

studies for some of these drugs before they were released. None of these

treatments (with the exception of Prednisone) have given me this level of

relief from symptoms.

Although it is too early to get excited, it is hard not to appreciate the

current relief which is helping me live a more active, productive life.

I hope this answers some of your questions. You can contact me directly if

you want to know more.

Terry Kaul

" Every day is a precious gift from God. "