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Is Rituximab Infusion Safe And How Effective It Is In Treating RA And Dermatomyositis?
My mom has dermatomyositis. She has had treatment over the years with steroids, and methotrexate. In the last year her condition is deteriorating with increased muscle weakness and diminished pulmonary capacity due to weakness of the respiratory muscles. She has had three months of IVIG treatment recently with no improvement and has developed a deep vein thrombosis in the left leg. The doctors want to discontinue IVIG and start her on rituximab infusions. Is this medication safe and how effective has it been in treating patients with RA and dermatomyositis?
Thu, 28 Feb 2019
Hello,
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody which is used in the treatment of RA and other autoimmune diseases as an IV infusion.
Generally, It is considered safe and doctor’s advice it according to a patient’s condition for more benefit.
I would suggest you have a talk with the doctors regarding your doubt on this, they will assure you of its efficacy and importance for the improvement of symptoms in your monther and clear your doubts.
So follow their advice as autoimmune diseases progress over time and the medicines that your mother was prescribed previously helped to slow down the progression of the disease.
Rituximab is used as the next treatment option for improvement of symptoms in RA and other autoimmune disorders.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Manisha Auradkar, General & Family Physician
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody which is used in the treatment of RA and other autoimmune diseases as an IV infusion.
Generally, It is considered safe and doctor’s advice it according to a patient’s condition for more benefit.
I would suggest you have a talk with the doctors regarding your doubt on this, they will assure you of its efficacy and importance for the improvement of symptoms in your monther and clear your doubts.
So follow their advice as autoimmune diseases progress over time and the medicines that your mother was prescribed previously helped to slow down the progression of the disease.
Rituximab is used as the next treatment option for improvement of symptoms in RA and other autoimmune disorders.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Manisha Auradkar, General & Family Physician
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