Cellcept VS. Rituxan

🙂 Hi Julia!

I was so relieved when I was dx’d antiMAG IgM PDN, because then there was a cure for me – and after finishing my Rituxan treatment nearly one and a half years ago, I have slowly but surely been on the mend.

I know why it works for my illness, but I’m not sure about how Rituxan works for CIDP. I think CIDP may have different triggers, and if Rituxan will help depends on what’s causing the illness. The problem is that a specific trigger for any CIDP case is very hard to find. I know some CIDP’ers have been helped by Rituxan, as you probably also have read on this forum.

And Julia – you have to let Norb get in touch with your doctor. Being denied Rituxan for his anti-Mag is his BIG problem 🙁

I did the cellcept along with ivig for years and slowly worsened. I did not fit the criterea for rituxan to be a first line treatment, but nothing else seemed to work. Luckily my doc fought hard to get it for me and I was approved pdq. There is a program spoc (single point of contact) where if your doc thinks you should try rituxan that the company that makes rituxan will give you the drug free of charge if you make less than 70k a year. You or your insurance will still have to cover the costs of administering the infusions. I dont know why rituxan works for me because I have none of the stuff rituxan has had proven efficacy. All I know is I couldnt really walk anymore or even feed myself, and shortly after my first infusion of rituxan I was up and around with a great deal of increased strength. If you have any questions feel free to ask here or pm me.

John

My Dx is CIDP secondary to MGUS. I had one series of Rituxan and will begin the next series tomorrow because my neurologist and oncologist know that the first series helped. Another neurologist and oncolopgist wouldn’t give it to me because I wasn’t worse. A lot depends on these two specialists working together.

Peace,
Pat

Julia you wrote,[QUOTE]I did a blood test today for the Anti-Mag….my doctor says if I have that he would go with Rituxan immediately…though he doesn’t think I have Anti-Mag.[/QUOTE] If your doctor is a neurologist it is surprising that he has not already tested for anti-MAG IgM PDN.As Allaug in Norway writes this is what she has. More information about PDN is available on my website shown at my signature below.

The site may also help Pat (Buckeye20782).:p

The site may also help Pat (Buckeye20782).:p[/QUOTE]

Thanks, it’s a wonderful, site. I had my infusion today. It went well but slowly!
I’m very tired tonight.

Pat