@A MyMSTeam Member This is for after. It's only recommended but I would like to do all I can.

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A MyMSTea...

@A MyMSTeam Member, Dr. Ruiz is just airing on the conservative side because there is no way to tell who would need top up infusions if they are in the small minority of patients that may relapse after HSCT. He views it more as preventative maintenance to make sure you do not relapse after the HSCT treatment. It's not like you would wait until you feel a relapse coming, you would just take the 6 monthly doses of Rituxan to make sure the MonSter is squashed.:) I have a feeling you probably already know all of this but it may help others if they are following this thread. And Dr. Picone is probably more concerned about losing a profit stream from big pharma when you don't need a lifetime of DMDs any longer than dangers of PML, which are rare with Rituxan. Where I had HSCT with Dr. Fedorenko in Moscow, he would recommend top up infusions of Rituxan to put the disease back into remission IF you happen to relapse post HSCT. Good on ya @A MyMSTeam Member for taking control of your own health and being your best health care advocate!! Good luck, won't be long now that you'll be on the other side of the beast!! Unfortunately, I don't know anyone off hand in your area that would dx it (sorry), but you are a fighter and will find someone, I bet! Be well.

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A MyMSTea...

Thank you guys. Found a doc to prescribe it. My insurance approved me for 1000mg but not the 100 I need. Called the maker & since it was prescribed & my insurance company daid no, they are supplying if for free.

@A MyMSTeam Member, I'm not on any drugs for MS anymore. With Dr. Fedorenko, the rituxan is a one time infusion at the end of HSCT after the chemo. I left a few messages recently explaining things a little further. Cheers!

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A MyMSTea...

Is this for after HSCT or while you are waiting? Because it's technically an off label use, many MDs wont prescribe it, so you will have to take time to search out docs that will.