Biosimilar for rituximab

[Pete]

Competition for rtx...

https://ancavasculitisnews.com/2019/...UAbXNtkU_Nb6T8

[annekat]

I wonder what the cost will be, compared to that of Rituxin.


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[shankxonline]

Hey All - I have been recommended to take this - Ruxience - instead of Rituxan. Anyone has had experience with it to share? Any indication of dosage that you have heard/experienced?

[jmq]

Me too. My insurance (BCBS) did not approve Rituxan/Rituximab for my infusion. Instead they are making me take Ruxience biosimilar.
I would be interested in any feedback on this drug.
I'm disappointed because Rituximab was effective for me 4 years ago and I don't know anything about this new drug.
Is it the same?

[cbaker0812]

I would like to understand this as well. I had 4 RTX infusions at the end of the year and was able to get off the prednisone completely following that. The Methotrexate made my hair fall out and I was extremely tired and just didn't feel great for 2-3 days after taking it each week, so they have stopped that as well. I am being told that I most likely can just do 1 (possibly 4) round of RTX at the 6 month mark for maintenance depending on how my number are holding. I am grateful to be off so many medications and not taking pills except for vitamins, but the expense of the RTX is high and if there is something as effective for less cost, I would love to understand more about it.

[Tahoerich]

Good news. I just hope the cost are much lower. In June of 2020 I got the 4 week infusion for Rituxan. The cost that the infusion center charged 54,000 for each week(the Rituxan and cost to get infusion). In December of 2020 I had a 6month buster. The cost for just one week infusion was 62,000. I was lucky last year I already went past my yearly out of the pocket expenses. I’m still on my company’s insurance (cobra). I pry that the cost for this new drug is much lower. Be safe all.

[me2]

My insurance refused Rituxan coverage recently because I was getting it sooner than 6 months. The maker of Rituxan , Genentech, was very fast and very helpful in supplying it for free for me. I just got the infusion a few days ago. Not only did I get approval but the approval lasts for the next year. I already have my next Rituxan appointment scheduled and they will supply it.
They supplied for me many years ago too - before Rituxan was approved for WG and I remembered from that time how helpful they were.

[shankxonline]

My insurance refused Rituxan coverage recently because I was getting it sooner than 6 months. The maker of Rituxan , Genentech, was very fast and very helpful in supplying it for free for me. I just got the infusion a few days ago. Not only did I get approval but the approval lasts for the next year. I already have my next Rituxan appointment scheduled and they will supply it.
They supplied for me many years ago too - before Rituxan was approved for WG and I remembered from that time how helpful they were.

Ah - didn't know thats an option. For now - going with Ruxience for tomorrow.

[me2]

Take some reading material or computer or something to keep you busy as it takes several hours. You maybe know that. Some food is good too if they don't have some there.
Sometimes I even fall asleep for a while after the benedryl pill takes effect. I actually look forward to the infusions now that it is old hat.

[shankxonline]

Took frist Ruxience infusion (800mg) today and went un-eventul during the process. Now waiting and watching... but so far, so good.

Pre-med given: Solumedrol, Benadryl, Tylenol.
Infusion rate: 25 -> 400, took 4.5 hours total
post: prednisone continuation at 60mg