RTX versus Cyclophosphamide?

[Michael Dean]

I see alot of people talking about getting RTX infusions.
I'm going in for my 2nd infusion of the Cytoxan 100 MG.

Can anyone tell me the diiference? Are these the same thing?

Mike

[renidrag]

Michael: Side effects are the difference. rtx, if I am correct was just approved for WG by the FDA. There are less side effects to rtx than to ctx.
I think the majority would say go for the rtx. However, cytoxin was the drug of choice initially because it really hit "the wegs dog" on the head. Others will be along to help with experience in rtx.

[Sangye]

They aren't the same type of drug. Ctx and rtx are the only"heavy-hitters" for Wegs and they seem to be equally strong.

Ctx is chemotherapy and suppresses the immune system by being very toxic. Ctx does a lot of collateral damage. Rtx is not chemo, but rather a "biological" drug. It's a genetically-engineered antibody. Rtx controls Wegs by killing the type of WBC that causes trouble. Rtx does not do the same collateral damage.

Ctx has been used for decades to treat Wegs and other autoimmune diseases. The short- and long-term risks are well-known and doctors know how to manage it. Rtx is fairly new for Wegs (less than 5 yrs). Very recent studies showed it to be as effective as ctx in treating Wegs.

The long-term effects of rtx are not known because it hasn't been used for very long. This is why many Wegs specialists still prefer to use ctx first.

[Michael Dean]

Thanks Renidrag and Sangye for the insite.

I'll mention RTX to my Rheum. Doc

[bipinder]

Hello Everyone !

I'm Bipinder Anand (Bips) from New Delhi India .

I got Diagnosed for WG in March 2009 after 4 months of touture . I had Full Blown WG ( Ears ,
Nose, Eyes , Lungs, Kidney, Blood, Artheritis , Bleeding etc) .

Well we all know if diagnosed WG can be curbed supressed by medicine with have sever side effects,
I have a point to say here:

During my Medication , I was on high doseage of steroids (Omnacortile 80mg) and cyclophoamaide ( Endaxon 150mg Per day) , I used to pay alot of time in Gym and Yoga on my fitness. I had a relapse six month later ie oct 2009 but kept my gym and Yoga on and kept my body fit and used burst a lot of energy in gym.

As a result today i am more fitter , healthier and stronger then my pre illness time.

Hence from my experience I suugest that buring out energy in gym is very important aspect in WG esp when on high Doasge. Since we all go for periodic Check up, makes us fitter than any body else in the family.

I may be exception bcos WG did not effect any of my bobdy part permanently but would like to know has anybody else gone through like this.

Plz update ?

Regards

Bips

[Michael Dean]

Hi Bips,
That's great news. I have been working out and walking a lot. I'll try to get back in the gym.
Glad to hear your doing so well. Keep up the good work.

mike

[Sangye]

Hi Bips, welcome to the group. We have a few other members from India but I don't remember where they're located. I think it's great that you were able to continue exercising and get strong again--even stronger than you were before Wegs. Unfortunately for many people that isn't even an option. It's a highly variable disease!

[Sangye]

One caution for those new to treatment: pred makes it very easy to rupture tendons and ligaments. You should not lift heavy weights or engage in strenuous exercise while on the higher doses. We've had a few members sustain bad injuries because of this.

Yoga is great, and there are many other activities you can do if you are up to it.

[Michael Dean]

Thanks for the heads up Sangye

[bipinder]

Ya Sangye ,

Rightly said , No heavy wights at all , there should be repetations of sets , Go for quantity not quality. Well its just another remedy to counter the high dosage. JUST SWEAT.