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Does anyone have experience with Rituxan or Remicade for RA?
I have tried a couple of medications for my inflammatory arthritis. Methotrexate worked but produced some weakness and dizziness along with skin rashes. Actemra also worked but caused GI cramps. Humira worked as well and was well tolerated. All biologics eventually produce anti-bodies that cause resistance to the drug and therapeutic effect gets diminished as a result.
My next step would be Rituxan or Remicade. Does anyone have experience with these drugs? What kind of responses and side effects?
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Rituximab is also prescribed for blood cancers. It is a 4 hrs infusion. Remicade is every 8 weeks infusion. Both are administered at the infusion centers. Please, share your experience - responses and side effects.
Here is a link to Rituximab side effects:
https://www.bing.com/search
Common Side Effects
During or shortly after infusion, patients may experience fever, chills, shaking, fatigue, headache, cough, nausea, muscle or joint pain, flushing, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or tongue swelling. These reactions are often managed by premedication with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and paracetamol and by adjusting the infusion rate. Some patients may also develop stomach or bowel discomfort, diarrhea, or mild skin rashes.