Rituxan Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis has been widely used in treating RA. Studies show that rheumatoid arthritis is thrice more common among women and usually occurs between 40 and 60 years of age. Rheumatoid arthritis disorder has long been an illness closely associated with advanced age. But what is rheumatoid arthritis?

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an acute autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting the small joints on your feet and hands. It also affects the inside layer of the joints resulting to painful inflammation that later on erodes the bone and deforms the joints. It is called an autoimmune disorder because the body’s immune system wrongly attacks the tissues of the body. Aside from joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis also affects other parts of the body resulting to fatigue and fever. There is no known cure yet for this autoimmune disorder but ways can be undertaken to reduce joint inflammation, relieve joint pain and delay joint damage. Over the past decades, treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis have drastically expanded. Rituxan, for instance, is one treatment option used in treating RA. Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis medications and symptoms

Rituxan for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rituxan is globally used as cancer drug medication and was later on approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The drug effectively reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis among adult patients suffering from moderate-to-severe condition. However, Rituxan is only considered if no improvement is seen in the patient after taking initial medications. Read more about Rituxan side effects and dosage

How Rituxan Works As Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication

The root cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown that is why treatment of this certain type of arthritis is very difficult. But, what science was able to discover was that RA comes about when the immune system wrongly targets the joints. B-cells or b-lymphocytes play a vital role in triggering the development of this attack. B-cells produce antibodies and have a major responsibility in the operation of the immune system. Rituxan works by targeting the B-cells and reducing their quantity inside the body. It restricts the assault done by the immune system towards the joints, hence, eventually improving the symptoms and reduces the pain as well as joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. It must be noted though, that once Rituxan is administered, it increases your chances of getting infections. So, when you experience flu-like symptoms, fever, distressing cough, congestion or chills, talk to your doctor about this.

Administration

Rituxan has been approved and effectively used in treating rheumatoid arthritis.  Results generally show a minimum of six months interval before symptoms reappear. One cycle of Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis treatment involves two intravenous infusions of 1000mg of Rituxan with two weeks interval and is administered together with methotrexate. The infusion course of Rituxan will last for about four to six hours that is why you may have to take your favorite book or a deck of cards with you during the infusion process to keep you entertained. You are closely monitored by the doctors during the infusion process to ensure that you will not have any adverse reaction to Rituxan medication. The next infusion will be two weeks after the first course and wait after six months for the second course. However, the subsequent course can be given not earlier than 16 weeks or after four months.

Efficacy

Rituxan is used not just in treating rheumatoid arthritis but in cancer treatment as well. For treatment of RA disorder, however, Rituxan is relatively new but has been proven by millions in terms of its effectiveness in treating RA. Rituxan has also been proven to provide long-lasting pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis. It even slows down the progression of RA.

Risk

The use of Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis also involves some risks. People treated with Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis have reported some serious medical reactions right after the infusion of Rituxan. Besides, other conditions have also developed after the infusion. Therefore, before taking Rituxan infusion, it is best that you discuss some very important factors governing Rituxan treatment for RA. After which, weigh the benefits against the dangers of taking Rituxan infusion and decide if it is the best treatment option for your RA.

Side Effects of Rituxan

Rituxan infusion also has side effects, some of which could even be life-threatening. These side effects often include infusion reactions and TLS (tumor lysis syndrome); PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) and serious mucocutaneous reactions. Besides, other potentially serious side effects include cardiac problems, serious infections, hepatitis B infection and lower counts of blood cells. Thus, if you have an infection or recurring infection; you should disclose this to your physician and if you experience some side effects, never delay doctor’s consultation.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease and there is no cure yet. However, you can do something to manage and reduce the joint pain through Rituxan for rheumatoid arthritis treatment option. For better results, Rituxan infusion treatment must be coupled with living a healthy lifestyle; eating healthy foods, getting enough rest and regular exercise. In this way, you can still enjoy life even if you have rheumatoid arthritis.