Originally Posted by
im so blessed
Hi guys. So short story, i have taken 12.5 of mtx and 100mg of immuran together for the past 8 years. Did only immuran before that for 4 years. Treat flares with prednisone. Prolly used the pred 10 times in 12 years. So i dont go real long between. My dr has suggested trying rituxan to try n keep me in a longer remission. I am currently working off pred from a flare in december. It would be my dream to do rituxan, and get off ATLEAST the mtx. Is there anyone out there who has reached this and had success? It sounds too good to be true. And the LAST thing im after is adding another drug, while remaining on my current ones. I really feel my body needs a break from mtx. Thoughts? I talk to rheumatology the 23rd and i want to be prepared to discuss my options. Thankyou!
The severity of your flare will probably determine how many infusions of Rituxin you need. It takes several weeks to take full effect. In addition to the Rituxin, you will also be given a steroid (probably solumedrol) and an antihistamine to minimize any allergic reaction. The first infusion will likely take at least five hours. Any subsequent infusions will take less time.
To answer your question, I believe that it could be possible to get off at least one of your maintenance drugs. I wonder why you're on both Immuran and methotrexate anyway. I had two infusions of rituxin in October '13 to knock down the beginnings of kidney involvement - none since. I currently take 15 mg/week of methotrexate and 3 mg/day of prednisone. When I see my rheumatologist next month, we're going to discuss a plan to get me off all meds by year end.
Good luck and better health!!
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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