In December I was given 2 infusions of this drug which is used for chemotherapy on leukemia patients, and I feel a new man. For the first time in my life I feel free, although told to go about my life as though the same joints have the problem. In other words don't strain any of the joints that hurt before. The drug costs £10,000 a year or till you need the next dose, so far they are working on 9 to 12 months. You have to go through tests to qualify.
I am 69 and wondered whether old folk might be getting it before the younger ones but I see this as an enormous break through in the relief of arthritis.
This is the link :- Mabthera
Arfa
I'm more in favour of Early use of glucosamine (with chrondritin) as a preventative measure.
Glad to hear this med is working for you.
Eric I am 69 and after 35 years I need that bit of respite. I have tried every pill off the shelf in HB over the years, but this is the first time I feel free.
I have had 2 knees replaced, spent over 3 months in hospital over the last 7 years, I think this was the last resort. My RA caused me to have Vasculitis about 6 times, that is life threatening if not caught quick.
There are 171 types of arthritis and what suits one doesn't suit another.
I am not saying give up on the pills from HB some could work for one and not others. Just keep working on it. I now eat 20kg of honey a year only take olive oil, my breakfast daily is a whole tin of sardines in olive oil with a couple of crisp breads, only very little white meat and plenty of fruit and veg.
There is no cure for RA only relief, but I believe when they get stuck into gene therapy will they find the cure. I suppose we just have to keep taking the pills until they do find it.