Which of my RA patients are appropriate for Rituxan?
• 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 an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies.1 Inadequate response may manifest as persistent swollen and/or tender joints, persistent pain, prolonged stiffness, significant fatigue, or reduced function despite ongoing or past TNF inhibitor therapy. • In the Rituxan for RA pivotal study1,2 • Patients evaluated had a mean disease duration of 12 years • Patients had >8 swollen joints (66 joint count) and >8 tender joints (68 joint count) • Patients had to be on TNFi therapy for 3 months or longer in order to qualify to enter the study as inadequate responders for efficacy • Patients who had discontinued an TNFi therapy due to safety or tolerability issues were also eligible for the study Reference:1. Rituxan [package insert]. South San Franc
