But this one is a little different…
I have been receiving Rituxan (Rituximab) infusions for years to keep my RA symptoms under control. Today, I’m trying “Truxima” (rituximab-abbs) for the first time.
Why?
When I was first diagnosed, I was on a “cocktail” of and medications to help manage my RA. After our difficult journey to parenthood and my resulting surgeries, none of those treatments worked any more, and it took a while to find one that did. Rituxan has been able to help me manage my symptoms on its own, without other treatments.
Truxima is what’s known as a “biosimilar” to Rituxan — meaning they affect my body’s response to inflammation in a similar manner — but isn’t “brand name” Rituxan.
You see, unlike “generic” versions of traditional medications, biologic treatments are unique — because they actually use real biological elements as part of their chemical makeup, you can’t make a “generic” version, just something very similar — thus the name “biosimilar.”
Having switched health insurance providers recently, my rheumatologist warned me that my new provider might not cover my Rituxan, and might require me to try a biosimilar instead. Turns out, he was right.
This also means that, as a patient, that I’ll have to enroll in another company’s co-pay assistance program to help me cover the cost associated with my treatments. The Rituxan co-pay assistance program helped me CONSIDERABLY over the years, by lowering my actually out-of-pocket costs. since each infusion costs roughly $35k, I’m hoping the new program is just as helpful!
So — I guess we’ll see how it goes today… Wish me luck! I have a feeling it will all go very well. And for my fellow RA warriors who are likely navigating a similar financial/medical situation, just know you’re not alone in trying to figure all of this out. 🙏♥️
#PSNeverGiveUp
