Question
I have read about a new drug for RA. Rituxan ( rituximab ) I would like to have more info on this drug and it’s side affects. Have been on methotrexate 2MG tabs.4 tabs once a week. I could not take it, my lungs kept filling with fluid and my primary Dr. took me off of it. I am hoping to find another drug that won’t be as hard on my system.Would appreciated any info you may have on Rituxam.
Answer
Rituxan is a monoclonal antibody that is directed against CD20, a protein that is specifcially found on B cells ( a type of white blood cell). B cells are important in causing the inflammation of RA and can develop into the cells that make autoantibodies in autoimmune disease. Rituxan is given by IV infusion and depletes B cells. I has been shown to work in RA, to prevent symptoms and xray damage. It is given as 2 doses 2 weeks apart. Each infusion is long and and take up to 5 hours. Unique to any other drug, Rituxan is not given again until a patient starts to flare and many patients can go as long as a year before needing redosing. Side effects such as risk of infection is similar to the anti-TNF drugs. Rituxan is often given to treat B cell lymphoma(cancers).
