2 weeks ago
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Consultant rheumatologist and president of the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica, Dr Desiree Tulloch-Reid, is commending the Jamaican Government and the National Health Fund (NHF) for their decision to include intravenous Rituximab on the list of vital, essential and necessary drugs for procurement in the public health sector.
Rituximab, originally developed to treat rare cancers such as lymphoma, has become a cornerstone therapy for a range of severe and potentially life-threatening autoimmune conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and other rare immune-mediated diseases, as well as for autoimmune neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis.
According to Dr Tulloch-Reid, for many patients whose conditions do not respond adequately to conventional treatments, Rituximab has been a game-changer, often restoring health, function and independence to individuals otherwise facing disability, organ failure or even death.
Rituximab, a biologic medication, helps treat lupus by targeting and depleting specific B cells, which are immune cells that play a role in the disease’s pathology. By reducing the number of these cells, rituximab can help decrease the production of autoantibodies that contribute to lupus symptoms and inflammation.
Dr Tulloch-Reid said cost has long been a prohibitive barrier to access, with many patients unable to afford treatment despite subsidies under the NHF Individual Benefits Programme. This she said has resulted in many Jamaicans having to forgo life-changing therapy or rely on other assistance to access treatment.
“The Government’s decision therefore represents not only an act of compassion, but also one of foresight and good sense. Providing timely access to advanced therapies such as Rituximab will lead to fewer hospitalisations, reduced complications such as kidney failure requiring dialysis, and ultimately lower healthcare costs, while allowing affected individuals, many of whom are young and in their most productive years, to return to school, work and family life,” she said.
Rituximab is not specifically FDA-approved for lupus, but it is used ‘off-label’ due to its effectiveness in some lupus patients. Like all medications, rituximab can have side effects, including infusion reactions, increased risk of infection, and other potential complications. The effectiveness of rituximab can vary from person to person, and it may not be suitable for all lupus patients.
Patients on rituximab need to be closely monitored for side effects and to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
“On behalf of the rheumatology community and Lupus Foundation of Jamaica, I commend the National Health Fund and Ministry of Health and Wellness for their responsiveness to sustained advocacy by medical specialists and patient organisations. This move underscores a commitment to equitable access to essential treatments and represents a tangible step towards better outcomes for Jamaicans living with devastating autoimmune diseases,” Dr Tulloch-Reid said.
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