Rituxan and headache? | Arthritis Information

Hi all... long time no post. Life has been running me ragged. I've had to stop Enbrel because it quit working and then Humira was a failure (every joint in my body inflammed). So, on to Rituxan. I had my first infusion last Friday and I've had a wailing headache every since then. It seems to be reducing somewhat, but it's still pretty bad (right behind the eyes and nose... almost like nasty sinus pressure). Anyone else experience this? I'm not congested, so I don't think it's sinuses (though I did get a runny nose after the Rituxan as well).
Feedback appreciated!

Thanks!
I haven't experienced this but yes, headache and fatigue can happen after an infusion. I would be keeping your regular PCP informed maybe they can assist you with getting through this time. I would definitely be talking to them about it and seeing what they say and can do.

I had no after effects. I was blessed. I had a reaction during the infusion that had to be treated with Phenergan so now I have Phenergan at the beginning in my pre med but I was not tired or headachey afterwards.

Talk to your GP. See if they can help. I am sorry you are experiencing this. No fun at all.

Take care.
Are you sure its not just sinus? Take 2 fingers, and press on cheeck, same time press one finger on top of head... if it hurts.. then its a SInuS headache..

Also, i'm bipolar, so like my temp changed every half hr, like 98.9.. to 96.1.. LOL

I do know the steroids they added, just made me even more manic, (tho I didn't think so, everyone around me did, lol)..

Also, I take Verapamil daily... for migraines... thank goodness i didn't get headaches, sorry doll. those are the worst!! ( i think i must have been watching 40's movies, lately doll? ) lol

and definately tlk to your dr... What have you tried for your headaches.. ?

Valium also can help.. and if its Sinus.. get the cheap/ good stuff at WALmarT, my fav store.. and fav cheap brand.. EQUATE (exact same ingredients)...

I would try some sinus meds and see if that works.. feel better!!~

Good to see you back, Whispered. And that was exactly my other thought. Is this just sinus???

Sinus and RA can be connected. I have had much sinus and it's hell. Again, your GP is where you need to be.
6xmum, about 2 weeks after my Rituxan infusions I developed a sinus infection...not a lot of congestion, more like swollen sinuses and headache. Unfortunately 3 months and 5 antibiotics later I am still battling it. Sinus meds (like Sudafed) help a little but not a lot. Please have your doc check you out because I really was surprised to find out I had a sinus infection. Even if it's not that, better to make sure you're not having any problems from the Rituxan.Thanks for the feedback, all. I'm going to give it another day and if it's still bad call the GP. He's always hesitant to do antibiotics for sinus infections (partly because I'm prone to them and he doesn't want me on the antibiotics all the time). This is just odd because, normally, I get some congestion. This time, I just have a runny nose and the nasty headache. I'm going to try some sinutab today and see what happens. I'm also wondering if this is somehow related to prednisone, since that little bugger and I hate each other.

Thanks again!

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