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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.

Anyone have experience with Rituximab? My doctor wants me to take it. It has a black box warning including death within 24 hours of infusion

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Erie, PA
February 23
 · 
Be the first to react
A myRAteam Member

It was nasty for me. Rinvoq works best and they will help financially.

March 3
A myRAteam Member

I am on actemra it doesn't make me sick.I was on ritual didn't make me sick.

February 25
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member I am very interested in what people answer here. I am currently on orencia and Leflunomide which is working great for my RA. My neurologist wants me to switch to Rituxan because it will better treat both my MS and RA. I am hesitant for so many reasons. First, it took a long time to find a combo that works for my RA so I don’t want to disrupt it. But also, I am nervous about infusing every six months. I mean right now, if I get sick, I can hold my current meds to help fight whatever illness. Seems with Rituxan I’d be more vulnerable and unable to do that kind of real time management. Also don’t relish feeling sick after every infusion and yeah the black box warning while rare does give pause. If anyone is taking this med and it is working well for them would love the hear about that?

February 24
myRAteam

Has anyone had experience with Rituximab (Rituxan) for RA? What should be known about the black box warning?

It's understandable to feel concerned about the black box warning. Rituximab is a biologic that works by targeting B cells in the immune system that produce autoantibodies causing joint damage in RA.

How Rituximab Show Full Answer

Has anyone had experience with Rituximab (Rituxan) for RA? What should be known about the black box warning?

It's understandable to feel concerned about the black box warning. Rituximab is a biologic that works by targeting B cells in the immune system that produce autoantibodies causing joint damage in RA.

How Rituximab is given:

The first course typically involves two infusions, two weeks apart. Each infusion takes 3-4 hours. Corticosteroids are given through IV about 30 minutes before each infusion to help prevent unwanted side effects and reactions.

What to expect:

Improvements usually aren't noticed until three months or more after treatment, but effects can last 6-12 months or longer. Many people repeat treatments every six months.

About the risks:

While black box warnings highlight serious potential risks, infusion reactions are most common after the first infusion and are usually mild, treatable with antihistamines. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, chills, fever, or blood pressure changes.

Because Rituximab suppresses the immune system, there's increased infection risk. Screening for hepatitis B is done before treatment since the drug can reactivate dormant viral infections.

Member experiences:

A myRAteam member shared: "I was resistant and scared of infusions at first, but was in enough misery to give it a try after going through so many drugs that worked, then stopped or had negative side effects."

Discuss all concerns with your rheumatologist, including your specific risk factors and what monitoring will be in place during infusions.

February 23

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