rituxan | Arthritis Information

Hi....my doc wants me to start rituxan, however, I've been researching it and the possible side effects sound very scary......has anyone been on it and what have you experienced while taking rituxan?[QUOTE=pat]Hi....my doc wants me to start rituxan, however, I've been researching it and the possible side effects sound very scary......has anyone been on it and what have you experienced while taking rituxan?[/QUOTE]

My bloodwork is normal and my last set of x-rays showed no new erosions. I'm in remission for the first time in 8 years. For me the risks/benefits have definately been worth it

ps...I was also able to go almost 16 months between infusions. I veiw that as a big benefit...

Hi,

A lot of people here like it and doing well. I hear success stories and had hoped I would be one of them.

I am new to rituxan so I am not even sure if I should post a reply but I started in October and again in November. It takes up to 12 weeks to notice a difference. I was told recently I needed another round becuase inflammation is still high, sed rate over 100. I felt terrible the day after infusion and the week following headache, bad, nausea, fatigue. but then it started to fade after a week. I have increased postnasal drip but the doc says it couldn't have been the rituxan. don't know about that. I am spitting thick drainage like every 30 minutes. that's a lot. and it wasn't there b4 to that extent so something is causing it. No severe infections or severe side effects, thank God.

I really didn't get relief from it so can't rate it yet. I'll let you know after the second set. He wants to see me in a month.

Good luck to both of us on rituxan.:) let us know how you do on it.

My first infusion in on Tuesday. Curious to see how it does.Just to let everyone know, it can take up to 6 months for Rituxan to work. So if you aren't seeing results after 12 weeks try and give it a bit more time. It took me 6 months to see any benefit from Rituxan............................. This sounds very promising, I am due to start soon. I am also afraid of the sinister side effects. Regards Janie.

Good luck with your infusion Rebecca. Keep us posted on how things go. I see I'm not the only one terrified of the side effects. Now I was told by the doc, that the negative side effects a pretty rare and were also special cases as well but it would be just my luck to develop something like that. Dang Lynn, 16 months between infusions!!!! That is great. My doc has said that the longest she has had someone go is about 8 months, I'll have to tell her about you next week. (don't worry I won't mention names)