RA Support Center

Advances in RA Treatment

During the 1980s and 90s, research showed that certain types of blood cells called T-cells (and the chemical messengers they release) were involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) and biologic DMARDs, like anti-TNFs (tumor necrosis factor), became the standard among RA treatments.

Targeting B-cells to Treat Your RA

Part of the reason RA is so difficult to treat is because scientists still don't completely understand what causes the disease. Recent advances in RA research have shed new light on the importance of B-cells—a type of white blood cell found in the immune system.

RA develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's joints. Certain white blood cells in the immune system called B-cells are believed to play a role in the immune system’s attack on joints. Therapies have been developed that reduce the number of specific B-cells.

Now more and more rheumatologists are prescribing B-cell targeted therapy when anti-TNFs (drugs that block a certain protein associated with RA inflammation) have not worked well.

Your Time to RISE™

For more information about RA, including email updates about the latest treatment strategies, enroll in RISE, an RA education and support network.

INDICATION STATEMENT

Rituxan® (rituximab) in combination with methotrexate is indicated to reduce signs and symptoms and to slow the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Rituxan can cause the following serious side effects, some of which could be life threatening: progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome(TLS), and severe skin reactions. Other serious side effects with Rituxan include hepatitis B virus reactivation, heart problems, infections, and stomach and bowel problems. Common side effects during Rituxan infusions include: fever , headache, chills and shakes, nausea, itching, hives, cough, sneezing, throat irritation or tightness. If you experience any symptoms or side effects during or after Rituxan treatment, seek immediate medical attention.

Please see full Prescribing Information and the Medication Guide for additional important information.

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