Rituxan?

[funnel101]

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

[lnearth]

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]

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]

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

[funnel101]

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.

[lnearth]

Makes sense--thanks again for the info!