Hi. Hoping to hear from RA patients on Rituximab…
I’m a 48 yr old male, UK based. Got my RA diagnosis April 2025, although was unwell for almost a year prior. No illness prior to that and I have no other health conditions. Been taking Hydroxychloroquine, 200mg daily, since then, not sure if it’s doing anything. Took Methotrexate last year - tablets and injections - but side effects just wouldn’t ease so stopped it. Got approved for Rituximab and had my first dose (in 2 parts, 14 days apart) in Dec 2025, and just had my second dose yesterday, with another round due in 13 days time. Not feeling much different from
Dec to now but hoping that the second dose is more effective, which I understand is often the case. Hoping to hear from others that have taken Rituximab - was it effective, degree of improvement, etc. I’m trying to stay positive but the RA has had such a negative impact on my life it’s hard to see any significant improvement. My Rheumatologist has been excellent and has already said she will put me on another med, Filgotinib, if it turns out the Rituximab isn’t working. So positive not positive. Am teetotal, good diet - high protein, high fibre, mindful of gut health, very minimal processed foods, take omega 3 supplement daily and drink plenty water. Been on steroids since October - started on 20mg but tapered down well and currently on 2mg per day - so trying to shift a little weight but nothing major - am 85kg and trying to get to 80kg - mainly belly fat - arms and legs lean. Doing weights once a week with a personal trainer and trying to cover at least 8k steps per day - not always possible but trying. Anything obvious I’m missing..?