Surgery while on Rituxan? | Arthritis Information

Hi......I've had my first 2 infusions of Rituxan and now my ENT dr says I need surgery on my TMJ......han anyone had surgery while on rituxan? Is it safe? thanks, Pat Hey, Pat! Have you phoned your rheumy yet? I personally haven't had to have any surgeries while on RA meds, but I know we have several members who have (some very recently) who will probably be along shortly with their experiences. I just wanted to say hi and welcome to the group! Hope you're having a superfantastic and extra-comfortable day! Hey! I just had bilateral arthroplasty on my jaw. And...I take Rituxan! small world huh....

RD wasn't too concerned. I had my last infusion on Feb 2. He did have me stop the mtx the week before, during, and the week after.

LOL Mel! Great minds.... thinking! We're riding the same wave!

Pat...if you don't mind me asking, why are you considering jaw surgery?

I really recommend you seeing an Oral maxofillial(sp?) surgeon. There are so many nerves in the face that you want someone who knows what they are doing. Do everything you can NOT to have surgery. I started having jaw issues years ago. During that time I had numerous PT sessions which helped quite a bit. We finally got to the point where the jaw was affecting my neck and the left side was out of joint. Recovery has been hard. I had arthrocentesis done right before Thanksgiving. This is where they put you under for about 20 min and flush out your joint with saline and steriods. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough and I had the double arthroplasty done about 2 weeks ago. Still can't eat solid food and it isn't going to happen anytime soon. If you click my name under members, you can search some of the posts where I have mentioned the "jaw saga".

If it is found the you have to have the surgery, definitely find the best dr. you can. Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome. I knew it was going to be a long recovery. The nice folks here let me vent...thanks all!!! My neck feels 110% better.

Good luck to you....feel free to PM me at any time. Jaw arthroplasty is not a common procedure apparently, so it is good to find others to talk to about it.

I had surgery while on rituxan..I had it 2 weeks after one with no problems. However the recommendation is to do the surgery at least 1 month post infusion if at all possible[QUOTE=buckeye]I had surgery while on rituxan..I had it 2 weeks after one with no problems. However the recommendation is to do the surgery at least 1 month post infusion if at all possible[/QUOTE]

My RD told me the same thing...Try and wait at least a month after the infusions..

yeah..I kind of forgot to tell my rheumatologist about the surgery and asked the rep who stopped by during the infusion. I kept my fingers crossed and went ahead with the surgery...but I NEVER get sick...of course may be tempting fate with that one

I had surgery on the 18-definitely not even a month since the last infusion on the 2nd(or the 3rd...). My RD wasn't thrilled, but wasn't overly concerned. I was on IV antibiotics until I left he hospital and oral ones still. Haven't had any issues illness-wise. I just took my first dose of MTX today since having stopped it.

It's wierd-everybody's doctor seems to have different opinions. My RD's opinion seems to change as well. When I had my gallbladder out, I didn't even have to stop the MTX. hmm...