Rituximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews

• peg...
• March 6, 2009

Rituxan (rituximab) "I have had 2 infusions of Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis. Within 4 days of the first infusion, I was beginning to feel better. I am 5 days out from my second infusion, and I can already move with little or no pain for the first time in over a year. For me, it's been a lifesaver."

• MsA...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 30, 2017

Rituxan (rituximab) "After failing all other RA treatments, I was high-dose steroid dependent and running out of options. I'll admit, the PML risk had scared me off from trying Rituxan sooner, however, the increasing (and very real) risk of becoming non-functional scared me more. I began infusions about 4 years ago. While most patients receive concomitant methotrexate therapy, I do not, due to liver damage from previous methotrexate use. Rituxan has improved my quality of life physically, mentally, emotionally. My advanced RA will never allow me to live 'normally', but I am the best me I can be with this treatment. Side effects are minimal for me, nausea for a few days after each infusion. That's my story!"

• Nos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 27, 2015

Rituxan (rituximab) "Rituxan has completely changed my life for the better. I was in a clinical trial and tried several other medications with some success, but my symptoms eventually returned. After four sessions of Rituxan over a two-year period, I stopped seeing my RA doctor because I had no symptoms. I am now going into my 4th year without pain. I am playing softball, tennis, and golf without any pain. I highly recommend this drug to anyone dealing with RA."

• myr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2019

Rituxan (rituximab) "In mid-December of 2018, I had my first infusion after others like Orencia no longer worked. I was scared of this drug because of the noted side effects. I had no pain in my joints after my first infusion. A day later, I had a lot of energy and did not get tired like before. I went 2 weeks later for the second infusion and continue to feel no pain. No side effects so far. Finally got off steroids. I did feel very tired last night, a first. Perhaps it was because I was really tired. Woke up this morning feeling well-rested and no pain. I hope this is a sign of things to come."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2017

Rituxan (rituximab) "This is the first day I've had ZERO pain in 6 years. I tried Enbrel - good but not strong enough after 2 years. Humira - allergic. I just finished my second infusion from Rituxan. And I am cautiously happy. Absolutely no pain anywhere."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 13, 2013

"This is a follow-up to a review I left on 18th July '12. It took 4 months for rituximab to start making a real difference, and what a difference it has made to me. I can now walk and do most things that I couldn't do before I got it. I had another infusion yesterday, and I will get another in 2 weeks, which will complete my 2nd course of it. That was 10 months between infusions, although you can get it again after 6 months. I had Enbrel before starting rituximab, but it didn't do a thing for me. In fact, I think I got worse, but rituximab has been fantastic. The infusion took around 6 hours, but it was painless. I had no problems at all during it, although I would recommend taking a book to read as it is quite a long time sitting."

• Rob...
• June 15, 2014

Rituxan (rituximab) "Entering the 7th hour of the process during my 1st infusion; I experienced annoying itching deep within my ears, back of throat, head and face. Shortly after the 'push', increasing the drip, I broke out into hives on my face, head and neck with red welts ironically appearing in the areas where I had historically given myself the Enbrel injections...front of both thighs and stomach. Enbrel had stopped its effectiveness after almost 2 years and it had been almost 1 month from my last injection prior to the infusion. My doctor made the decision to discontinue the infusion fearing that my allergic reaction may cause anaphylaxis."

• Buf...
• December 15, 2014

"I have been on Rituxan for 10 years. Almost wheelchair-bound at 35. I prayed it would work, and it has put me in remission. It saved my life! I will be on this for the rest of my life if possible. I pray insurance will keep paying."

• Bab...
• October 3, 2014

"My rheumatoid arthritis was so severe that I have had four joint replacements (both hips and both knees) within 4 years. I have tried Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade, and none of them were effective. My joints were stiff, and my flares were frequent. I was in so much pain and was very depressed because of my limitations. My rheumatologist, who I feel is totally the best, told me about Rituxan (rituximab), and I agreed to try it in 2010. After my first infusion, I felt this was a miracle pill because I had immediate positive results. I did not have any of the side effects that others have spoken about. I know that Rituxan gave me back my quality of life, and my infusions can last up to a year. I'm still on it."

• SRR...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2018

Rituxan (rituximab) "I'm sensitive & allergic to more meds than not. I was diagnosed with RA 10 years ago at 35 years old. We tried everything, and decided on Rituxan, which scared me, but I'm so grateful I tried it! The first one was very uncomfortable. I can't take any steroids (very allergic), so I rely on Benadryl IV. I had a mild reaction toward the end and felt bad for days. Two weeks later, same thing happened. I thought, I'm not doing this if I'm going to feel rubbish for two weeks. Almost exactly four months later, I started feeling all the fun stuff that had gone with RA. I had forgotten how I typically felt. It worked very quickly for me and has only gotten better. I went to my doctor, she said, 'you're a four-month person.' Personally, Rituxan was the starting point of a complete life shift. I felt better, which gave me energy, allowing me to slowly start going to the gym, which goes hand in hand with eating clean. It has been a life-changing medication for me."

• Bec...
• November 14, 2016

Rituxan (rituximab) "I had my first round 6 months ago, sitting here starting my 2nd round as we speak. No side effects, and even though my joints are still swollen, I feel so much better. My doctor is hopeful that this round will help with the inflammation. I'll get my 2nd dose with this round in 2 weeks!! I'm hopeful and thankful."

• Min...
• June 4, 2016

"Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 1997. Failed Enbrel and Humira with hives, itching. Tried Orencia but their patient program and delivering meds was a huge disappointment (IV med only available at the time). MTX caused my liver enzymes to go nuts. Started Rituxan in 2009. My results were atypical. Rituxan is my liquid gold with a platinum price tag! A few weeks after my 2nd infusion, I felt incredible. I started running and biking. I lost 83 lbs in 4 months. I went from 235 lbs of prednisone, sedentary, and having 3 kids increased weight to a healthy 152 lbs. I wasn't fatigued. For the first time in 19 years, I was in remission while not pregnant. Not for everybody, but great for me."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 20, 2019

"My first round of rituximab infusions (in Dec 2017) took 13 weeks to work, then was good for about 8 weeks, then wore off. My consultant said it often worked better the 2nd time around. So, I had the second round of infusions in June 2018. This time it worked after about 7 weeks and has continued to work really well - it's now Jan 2019 and I'm still fine... amazing... my consultant was totally right! I'm due for my third round of infusions this week and am no longer in fear of the med not working. It is really good - after 14 years of RA treatments I would say this is my best med. No methotrexate needed. I've not had any side effects - I haven't even caught any more colds than anybody else! If thinking of trying out this med, be patient and good luck - it might give you your life back! Incidentally, it also cured my husband's lymphoma when he was given R-Chop (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone plus Rituxan) medication… so we've a lot to thank the NHS and the scientists who developed this med for! x"

• Big...
• April 16, 2017

Rituxan (rituximab) "I had my first infusion with no problems during administration, but two weeks after, I had to go to the E.R. with a heart arrhythmia and had to have my heart shocked back into normal rhythm. Two days later, I had my second infusion with no problems during administration. Two weeks later, the same thing...back to the E.R....heart shocked back into rhythm. My heart rate was stuck at 150 bpm. I had to be put in the hospital for four days to be given an anti-arrhythmic drug that can also cause a fatal arrhythmia. So I would be cautious if you have any type of heart problem prior to taking Rituxan. I will not ever take it again."

• sha...
• January 6, 2012

"Having had 2 infusions within 2 weeks of each other twice a year for the last 4 years, it has to be said that it took a while for it to work, along with methotrexate and prednisolone, but once kicked in, it has improved my condition a lot. You do get a feeling of a cold coming on to begin with, but without a doubt, it has been the best medication by far. Although having tried Humira, it gave me pneumonia, after 11 years of trying different medications, rituximab is by far the best."

• Don...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 28, 2019

Rituxan (rituximab) "I’ve been on Rituxan infusions two to three times a year for 10 years. My RA symptoms are virtually non-existent. Don’t want to change meds/therapies. Tried Enbrel with methotrexate, Remicade with methotrexate. None of the above gave me relief until Rituxan!"

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2011

"I was previously on Remicade that put me into remission for a few years. I wanted to have a child, so I had to discontinue all medicines. I was still in remission, so all was fine until a year ago when my hip just gave out. Needless to say, I am too young for hip surgery, so my RA doctor recommended Rituximab. I had my first dose 3 days ago. I had a bad reaction after the rate was increased but after another dose of Benadryl and slowing down the medicines, all was fine. I have had no pain in my hip and feel great besides the grogginess from the Benadryl. My second dose is in 2 weeks, and I hope that my pain will be gone (for at least 6 months). To God be the Glory!"

• mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2014

"I had my very first infusion of Rituxan today. I feel like I have tried EVERYTHING. I've had Enbrel, Orencia, Humira, Xeljanz, Methotrexate, and Remicade. All thumbs up so far. The infusion experience was great. I feel better, but we also pushed Solumedrol steroids, so that could be why. Crossing my fingers for no latent side effects and good results. I will try to check back in two weeks after the second infusion."

• Cre...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 20, 2016

"I am sat having my 10th cycle, 1st infusion of rituximab. Sleepy while having infusions, otherwise, no side effects. Previously, I could not walk or look after myself. I had no quality of life. Now enjoying life with a little help. My rheumatoid hasn't gone completely but is more manageable to deal with. Not pain or inflammation-free, but much better than I was. I know the side effects can sound very scary, but discuss this with your consultant or specialist nurse. They are very helpful, very informative, and understanding. They do not know the long-term side effects of this drug, but more importantly, I can now live a life as before I was just existing. Try not to be daunted, ask, ask, ask, and don't be afraid to try new drugs, they might help."

• Dor...
• January 25, 2019

"I'm not sure what to think of this drug. I had to stop working in Nov 2018 as the disease (which was in my hands and feet) had attacked my left hip and then knee, leaving me unable to walk. This is my eighth drug in four years as NOTHING has worked at all, and the side effects were a horror show. So far I have used hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, Arava, Inflectra, Xeljanz, Kevzara. After my first infusion with rituximab on Dec 12, I had three days of pure bliss. I was in remission...or so I thought. I was pain-free for the first time in 4 years. The evening of the third day, the pain in my left hip started back and got worse daily. After waiting 4 weeks for the second infusion, I had three hours of relief on the second day after treatment. Since then it has been straight downhill with the pain going back into my knee. I know that Rituxan can take a while to work, but I am declining daily...and losing hope."

• Mic...
• December 14, 2015

"I was diagnosed with RA in 2006, my profession was heavy bridge construction. Inside 2 years, while being treated with all the major RA drugs, the bottom line was my being confined to a wheelchair by 2008 and the realization that the word 'invalid' is a messed up word. I got my first infusion of Rituxan and asked how long before I would see results, if any, and was told 3 to 4 weeks. 3 days later, I was walking! Rituxan has saved my life! Most, if not all, issues I have now are from the havoc the RA caused previously. Rituxan has proven to be a miracle cure for me, although it is very expensive."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2015

"Diagnosed with RA March 2014. Disease fast-tracked through me and rendered me unable to walk by April 2015. Have had all oral DMARDs plus Enbrel, which made no difference. I was suffering immense pain and could barely leave the house. Had first Rituximab infusion Sept 2015, second 2 weeks later. Zero side effects. It has taken 10 weeks for me to feel any effect, but I am now walking unaided and feel so much better. I can drive, have a bath, and live a normal life again. I live in Scotland, and my drugs are paid for by our NHS. I have great support from the entire rheumatology team since being diagnosed."

• Son...
• May 11, 2020

Rituxan (rituximab) "I have rheumatoid arthritis for the last 26 years, tried numerous drugs for it: methotrexate, hydrochloride, gold injections, Enbrel, but had really bad side effects. Then, the consultant put me on Rituximab 10 years ago. I feel much better, have less joint pain. I get itchy skin, especially after a shower, have to take an antihistamine tablet sometimes, headaches, but I cope with all that. It’s worth it. I am thankful for that drug, it really does help."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2020

"Have only had 2 lots of rituximab, my first infusion was fine, but the second one, 2 weeks later, has left me not being able to sleep. I go to bed, and my body is tired, and I want to rest, but as soon as I lay down, within 10 mins, I have to get back up. It feels like my whole body is restless and jittery. This goes on for hours. I have tried reading but can't concentrate, have gotten back up for hot drinks, then gone back to bed, same thing. I have had baths at 4 in the morning as that seems to help, but not all the time. Just wondering if this had happened to anyone else and how they coped, as I'm at the end of my tether and want to sleep."

• Bun...
• September 10, 2016

"This is my second infusion, and I am feeling quite nauseous and headachy, but I know this will pass. Had an extremely bad headache last night, but the relief from the pain has been incredible. Have been on Enbrel, Cimzia, sulfasalazine, Plaquenil, Arava. I am still on prednisone and methotrexate, as well as Celebrex, but the relief I have had since having my first infusion is like a dream come true. I had results within the first few days, so there is hope out there... I can walk a lot easier, can actually use my hands, which was just so painful... My life is back... Don't give up."