myRAteam

These are really valid concerns, and it's great that you're being so proactive about understanding what's ahead. Your rheumatologist's point about inflammation driving up blood pressure actually makes a lot of sense — when RA inflammation is active, it can affect artery elasticity and raise blood pressure. Treating the RA Show Full Answer

These are really valid concerns, and it's great that you're being so proactive about understanding what's ahead. Your rheumatologist's point about inflammation driving up blood pressure actually makes a lot of sense — when RA inflammation is active, it can affect artery elasticity and raise blood pressure. Treating the RA effectively could actually help bring those numbers down over time.

Regarding Rituxan specifically, it is not typically associated with raising blood pressure the way some other RA medications are. TNF inhibitors and biologics like Rituxan are generally considered less likely to contribute to high blood pressure compared to NSAIDs or steroids. The steroid concern is completely understandable given your sensitivity. It's worth knowing that before each Rituxan infusion, a corticosteroid is typically given through an IV to help prevent infusion reactions. Since you've flagged steroid sensitivity, make sure your rheumatologist has a clear plan for managing that specifically on infusion day.

Some things worth discussing with both your rheumatologist and primary doctor include:

- Monitoring blood pressure closely on infusion day and the days following
- Flagging your steroid sensitivity so the pre-infusion steroid dose can be carefully managed
- Asking about blood pressure medication options that won't drop your pressure too low at home — there are several types, and finding the right fit may take some trial and error with your doctor's guidance
- Discussing the Ativan concern openly — your hesitation about dependency is completely reasonable and worth voicing clearly to your doctor A myRAteam member shared a similar experience, noting that pain and stress during flares noticeably elevated their blood pressure, and another member confirmed that enduring pain puts real stress on both body and mind — so the foot pain you're experiencing could absolutely be contributing right now.

Your Tuesday appointment with your primary doctor is a great opportunity to lay everything out — the steroid sensitivity, the fainting history, and the upcoming Rituxan infusion. Going in with a written list of concerns can help make sure nothing gets missed. You're clearly thinking about this carefully, which is exactly the right approach. 😊

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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