What Treatment Works For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rituxan and rheumatoid arthritis have something in common. One is a medication you hope you never need and the other is a disease you hope never to develop. Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling disease that causes damage to the joints, swelling, and pain for the person suffering with it. The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not known. There is no known cure for this condition. There are, however, treatments that have been proven to provide some relief from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and slow the progression of the disease. Rituxan is one of the medications that may be used to treat your RA.

Trials show that one course and treatment with Rituxan and RA is slowed or stopped for up to six months. One course of treatment consists of two infusions given two weeks apart. Each infusion can last from four to six hours. Bringing a book along may be a good idea.

Rituxan is not a first line medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It should only be considered if the patient has already tried medications with limited results or results that are decreasing over time. Rituxan and rheumatoid arthritis are natural enemies because of how Rituxan works. Certain white blood cells, known as b cells are destroyed by Rituxan. These b cells have been determined to be responsible for attacking the cartilage in the joints and destroying it.

There are some significant risks associated with the use of Rituxan to treat rheumatoid arthritis. There are some serious reactions that people have had during and immediately after receiving an infusion. There are also some other conditions that can develop as a result of taking Rituxan. It is very important to discuss these factors with your doctor and weigh the risks against the benefits before choosing to begin taking Rituxan. For more details about the risks associated with the use of Rituxan, see the full prescribing details available from your doctor.

In the treatment of RA, there are many different options available to treat the symptoms of the disease. Some medications are able to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and allow patient to lead a relatively normal lifestyle. Rituxan is one of the newest of these medications, but it has been used over one million times in patients. It has a proven track record of providing long lasting relief from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. It also slows the progression of the disease.

Given in the form of an IV infusion, it can take from 4 to 6 hours to complete one dose of this medication. It is probably a good idea to take a book or a deck of cards to help pass the time during the infusion of medication. You will be monitored during the entire process to assure that you do not have an adverse reaction to the medication. A second infusion will be given two weeks after the first to complete the course of treatment for that six month period.

Rituxan and RA are two words we all hope never to hear our doctor use. If we do, though, it is nice to know that a medicine as effective as Rituxan is available.