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As I am transitioning to find the right treatment plan, I am currently on Prednisone, Methotrexate and Ruxience Infusions.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Denver, CO

I'm concerned about the interaction and about how long is too long? I've been on Prednisone for a little over a year, Methotrexate 3 months, and I just had my second 6-months Rusience Infusion. The ultimate goal is just Ruxience Infusions. Thank you

May 11
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A myRAteam Member

When I. Was on methotrexate I was also put on Folic acid, if you’re not on it you should speak to your Dr about it.

May 13 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

Thank you so much. I'm usually pretty good at cornering the doc with questions, but you just added a few more. Thank you, this was very informative.

May 11
myRAteam

It's great that there's a clear goal in sight — working toward Ruxience (rituximab) as a standalone treatment is a path many people with RA pursue. The combination approach being used right now is actually quite common during the transition period, as it helps keep inflammation under control while the biologic builds up its Show Full Answer

It's great that there's a clear goal in sight — working toward Ruxience (rituximab) as a standalone treatment is a path many people with RA pursue. The combination approach being used right now is actually quite common during the transition period, as it helps keep inflammation under control while the biologic builds up its full effect.

Here's a quick breakdown of how each medication plays a role:

- Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to manage inflammation, especially during flares or transitions. Long-term use (over a year) does carry risks, which is why most rheumatologists aim to taper it down as other treatments take hold.
- Methotrexate is often paired with biologics like Ruxience to improve effectiveness and is commonly used as a bridge medication.
- Ruxience targets B cells that cause joint damage in RA. It typically takes 3 months or more to show full results, which is why the other medications are still in the picture. Regarding "how long is too long" on prednisone — this is a really important question to raise directly with a rheumatologist. Extended use of corticosteroids is something doctors monitor carefully, and tapering is usually the goal once the biologic starts working effectively.

A few things worth discussing with the care team:

- Whether prednisone can begin to be tapered now that Ruxience infusions are underway
- Monitoring methotrexate with regular monthly blood tests to track any changes
- Keeping all prescribers informed of every medication being taken, including supplements, to avoid interactions The transition plan sounds like it's moving in the right direction. Since Ruxience can take several months to reach its full potential, patience is key — and the rheumatologist is the best person to help map out the timeline for stepping down the other medications safely. Don't hesitate to bring these concerns to the next appointment!

May 11
A myRAteam Member

Good morning Evelyn, hope you're doing well today. Thank you for responding
to my medication treatment question. As far as folic acid they took me off
folic acid and put me on a once a week medication, Leucovorin instead.

*Linda M. Ekblad*
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*Our life begins to end when we stop talking about things that really
matter.*

*Martin Luther King Jr.*

May 16
A myRAteam Member

Hello Bettina, in response to your question the first two sets of infusions went really well. I didn't seem to have any side effects during or after them. I do feel a difference in my RA as I have very little pain these days and no longer need one or two naps a day. I hope this helps. 🙏 Here's wishing you the best and let me know if I can answer any other questions.

May 15

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