My daughter has both RA & MS (I have had RA for nearly 30 years). The RA is more problematic (and aggressive) and is currently being treated with retuximab. This has helped her RA symptoms incredibly, but for a month following the infusion she experiences extreme, migraine-like headaches. This happens with every infusion round. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?
Hi meleesaj and welcome! I only had a couple of Rituximab infusions, but I do remember having quite a headache during the infusion and the following day, but definitely not for a month after the infusion. Have you and your daughter talked to her RD about this?
Sorry I'm not much help, but I just wasn't on it long enough to really say. I believe there are several members here that have been on it for a while, so hopefully they will chime in! :)
Hi, I am on 600 mgs. of Remicade (Retuximab I think?) and I have not had any adverse reactions....only decrease in pain/stiffness/swelling after infusion. I just had it this afternoon Wed, 8/22.
Sorry to hear your daughter has been suffering after the meds. I had 'migranes when taking plaquinel.
Lynda
Lynda - Remicade is also known as Infliximab. Rituximab is the other name for Rituxan. Only reason I know this is because I've been on both of them at one time or another. Grrrrrrrrrrr!
Who the heck can keep track of these darn biologics anyway! LOL
I have been on Rituxan (Rituxamab) for a year. I did not have the headache problems you mentioned. I feel very tired for a day or two afterward and during that period I will have headaches.
Sorry I can't be of more help. But the headache connection isn't there for me. Its so hard to try and figure out where the symtoms are coming from when you are on so many different meds. I hope your daughter finds relief.
Welcome. Do you think the reaction may have an adverse reation due to any meds she's taking for MS? A month is a long time to suffer migrains. What does her dr. say?
Also, you sound like a veteran of RA, what have you found to work for you and how is your RA?
I just finished my first round of Rituxan July 19. I have been having more headaches than normal, but mine are more like sinus headaches, not as debilitating as migraines. I didn't connect it to the Rituxan. Hmmm.