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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Why is Rituxan not working for me after 11 weeks?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Santa Fe, NM
August 6, 2023
 · 
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A myRAteam Member

Thank you Maggie.

I took 4 different biologics before Rituxan. The only one that worked (for 15 years) was Enbrel, but Medicare decided it was too expensive and stopped allowing my doctor to prescribe it. I have read that Rituxan may take 4 months, but most of my doctor's patients felt relief after a few weeks. Glad to hear the medication has helped you.

August 7, 2023
myRAteam

There could be several reasons why Rituxan (Rituximab) might not be working for you after 11 weeks:

1. Initial Non-Responder: Some patients do not respond to the initial treatment of Rituximab. According to the knowledge base, initial non-responders do not benefit from repeated treatments with Rituximab.

2. Time to Effect: Ri Show Full Answer

There could be several reasons why Rituxan (Rituximab) might not be working for you after 11 weeks:

1. Initial Non-Responder: Some patients do not respond to the initial treatment of Rituximab. According to the knowledge base, initial non-responders do not benefit from repeated treatments with Rituximab.

2. Time to Effect: Rituxan typically begins taking effect about six weeks after the second infusion, and its effects can last up to six months. If you are still within this timeframe, it might be too early to see significant improvements.

3. Individual Variation: Response to treatment can vary widely among individuals. Factors such as disease severity, duration, and concurrent medications can influence effectiveness.

4. Alternative Treatments: If Rituxan is not effective, other treatment options may need to be considered. Consulting with your healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best course of action.

Always discuss your concerns and treatment options with your healthcare provider to tailor the best approach for your condition.

July 31, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Good morning Bonnie,

From my understanding, it could take Rituxan at least 4 months to be effective. I'm on Rituxan as well and didn't notice a difference in my pain level until the 5th month. I still have pain, but it is not severe pain. If Rituxan doesn't work for you, you may need to speak to your Rheumatologist about trying a different medication.

August 7, 2023

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