Rituxan And RA
Rituxan and RA (rheumatoid arthritis) is helping some of the 2 million adults in the United States that are affected with this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive autoimmune disease that involves inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissue. Over time rheumatoid arthritis can destroy joints, ligaments, tendons and bone. There have been several different treatments used over the years to help treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, now a drug that is used to treat cancer, Rituxan, has been approved by the Food and Drug administration to be used in combination with Methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate is an antimetabolite. It interferes with the way cells utilize essential nutrients. Because of this, Methotrexate inhibits the activities of the immune system reducing inflammation.
Rituxan and rheumatoid arthritis helps by reducing the signs and symptoms of the disease in adults who have moderately to severe rheumatoid arthritis. In order for a patient to be prescribed Rituxan treatment they must have failed one or more of the available drugs currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Rituxan is given to patients as two 1000mg IV infusion separated by two weeks and is generally given in an outpatient infusion center. Along with all medications, Rituxan has several side effects. The side effects of Rituxan include nausea or vomiting, weakness, headache, flushing or dizziness. More serious side effects include difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heart beat and no urine production. If you experience any of these side effects call your doctor immediately. The cost of treating rheumatoid arthritis with Rituxan is very expensive. This treatment method can range from $16,000 to $20,000 a year. However, it holds a promise of eliciting better outcomes than traditional rheumatoid arthritis treatments with fewer side effects.
Rituxan and rheumatoid arthritis so far is a winning combination. Patients are having better results with Rituxan than what they had prior to Rituxan becoming available. If other biologic treatments have failed for you in the past, talk with your doctor and see if Rituxan is right for you. See
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