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Re: Flare up and Rituximab route questions
Just completed 800 mg first infusion of Ruxience. Turned out to be non-eventful (so far) and am able to walk back home. Palpitations were higher - but no reaction during the infusion process. Solumderol, Tylenol and Bendryl were given as pre-meds.
Now hoping the B-cells curb down helps control GPA and kidneys while still keeping me away from acquiring new infections.
Self-isolation, regular follow ups and strict low sugar diet along with active workouts is the plan for next few months as my body adjusts to this new normal
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Re: Flare up and Rituximab route questions
Hi there,
I have been on Rituximab since I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago. Like most have posted the first one was longer then the rest. My infusion in the beginning is like yours 800mg X4 weeks every 6 months. For the past year and a half I have been doing one 500mg every 6 months. So far so good with that. My life for the most part has been somewhat back to normal, the biggest exception is my medicine regimen. I have suffered severe neuropathy in my left leg which has actually gotten a lot better which is making it easier for me to walk more. I definitely attribute my health getting better due to the Rituximab. I hope you found your infusions went fine.
Best,
Sandy
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Re: Flare up and Rituximab route questions
Hi smileyurbs
Yes - completed all 4 first infusions and went well. The numbers will show improvement over time I am told - but I am feeling good so far. Tapering on Prednisone every 2 weeks.
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Re: Flare up and Rituximab route questions
Pete, what made you go from methotrexate to rtx? This is my second year with gpa, and I am not taking Prednisone anymore (started with 60 mg). I am still taking methotrexate (calcium, vitamin d, folic acid, vitamin b12, budesinone nose rinsings), and all my labs are OK, everything is in the normal ranges, and my rheumatologist said I was in remission. My main problems is that I get tired easily, and I sleep more than normal. I asked my rheumy about rtx but he said that probably that would be too aggressive, and that methotrexate was lower in aggressiveness for the body. I am also still having problems with my ears. Presently I use hearing aids to teach and I can hear well without them, but I think that without prednisone i may have more problems with my ears, and I was wondering if rtx would help more my ears and my tiredness.
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Re: Flare up and Rituximab route questions
@Lea
I went to rtx from mtx because I was having too much fatigue from mtx. I was on both for a year, but my doctor decided I only needed rtx going forward.
Pete
dx 1/11
"Every day is a good day. Some are better than others." - unknown
"Take your meds as directed and live your life as fully as you can." - Michael Chacey, MD
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Re: Flare up and Rituximab route questions
I believe that the answer for me does not rely on choosing the correct medication. Instead it has relied on choosing the best doctor to treat me. I chose Dr Villa Forte because she is a rheumatologist that has specialized in GPA for her entire career. I take what she tells me to take, I do what she tells me to do. So far, the results have been very good.
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