I have had psoriatic arthritis for many years, and up to a short time ago was having weekly injections of Etanercept. My condition was getting worse, and it was decided to give me Rituximab, and I had the second infusion two weeks ago, and am now experiencing one of the worst flare-ups I have ever had! Has anyone else had a bad reaction to this treatment? I feel that I am being fobbed off by the rheumatology dep't as I am being told that it sometimes takes a while for this treatment to kick in. I am taking the maximum dose of Naproxen, Methotrexate as well as other pain killers. The GP prescribed Tramadol, which made me very sick, and which I am reluctant to take anyway, as it is addictive, and I've enough problems already!
Any comments gratefully received.
Hi Sue,
i had rituximab two years ago. I also take methotrexate. I really don't think you're being fobbed off. It does take quite a while to take effect, but believe me, when it ,does you will bless the day they gave it to you. It has made an enormous difference to my life.
i suspect that the flare up you are having is coincidental, just hang on in there and in a few weeks time you'll be feeling much better.
I can't answer to this specifically, but I do know that the biologics can produce strange after effects and side effects before the good results kick in, yes.
I was on Actemra and was sick with flu symptoms and strange skin things. But when the drug's effects got going, it was miraculous!
I suggest you give it another couple of weeks.
Thanks Linda, I feel à bit more confident on hearing your experience with this treatment.
Thanks for your reply, it seems that there is hope!