First Rituximab Infusion | Arthritis Information

 

I had my first Rituxan infusion yesterday. It went pretty well other than a headache and a bit of chest tightness during the infusion. Since then, I just feel like I have the flu. Sore throat, chills, headache, fatigue and basically just feeling blah! Has anyone else had this reaction before and if so, how long does it usually last?Hi bcgirl62! I only had two infusions of Rituxan (about 4 years ago) and I had no reaction whatsoever. Hopefully others will chime in, but have you called your RD regarding this? I know when I had my infusions, I took several preop meds to counteract the side effects...Benadryl, Solumedrol, Tylenol, and Zofran. Did you take those prior to you infustion? Also, how long did they run the infusion? Did they slow it down when you told them you were having a headache and chest tightness? Just some things to consider.
It is normal to have some of those side effects during the first infusion.  The second infusion will be much better and easier. However, it is important to note the following :

Common Side Effects Of Rituzimub - Fever and chills (flu like symptoms), nausea, weakness, headache, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, sinusitis, throat irritation (pharyngitis)

Serious Side Effects - Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, swelling of your lips or throat, confusion, Fever of 100.5  degrees (F) 38 degrees (C), jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).black, bloody, or tarry stools, sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, loss of balance, blurred vision, and problems with speech or walking

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
http://www.arthritisjointpaingone.com




Hi, so sorry you are having issues with the infusion.  You should definitely, most definitely call your RD.  It may well be a side effect, but better to get the word from the RD not to worry than to worry! I'm so sorry to hear that you had bad side effects with the Rituxan.  In addition to the pre-meds (Tylenol, IV Benedryl, IV Solumedrol, IV Phenergan), I also have a bag of fluids, before and after, my infusion.  Medications work differently for different people.  I had nausea with my first two infusions, but didn't have any side effects with the next two (six months later). 

Read Huffington Post today regarding four deaths relating to Rituxan. Thought everyone should be aware of this. GillianMac, GillianMac, I did read the HP today and saw NOTHING in it about 4 deaths related to Rituxan.  I went back again because I thought I might have missed something and did a word search and still didn't find the article.  Why don't you post the websit/page, etc. info so that we can read?  LindyWhat's the deal?  I posted two comments and only one is here.  I also don't see the post that I was referencing.  I think it was from Lin something.  Anyway, that person said that it was cheaper for her to order Rituxan, herself.  Renee,My infusions are done at my RD's office. When I discovered the price difference if I had the Rituxan shipped to me, I shared it with my RD and he thought it was a great idea. I know not all docs will allow their patients to do it that way and I think it's a shame. Now, my specialty pharmacy will ship my Rituxan directly to the RD's office, so I think that eliminates some of the liability problems for doctor's offices...... [QUOTE=GillianMac]Read Huffington Post today regarding four deaths relating to Rituxan. Thought everyone should be aware of this. [/QUOTE] Lynn492011-06-08 05:52:16

Lynn, have a question.  Do you take MXT along with Rituxan.  I can't take MXT any longer due to a cardiac and lung issue and I was wondering about just doing one therapy.  Lindy

LinB2011-06-08 12:59:09Lindy, have you ever tried substituting the Methotrexate with Arava? If not, mention it to your RD. I know it's compatible with the Rituxan, but not sure if it can be taken with your cardiac and lung history. [QUOTE=LinB]

Lynn, have a question.  Do you take MXT along with Rituxan.  I can't take MXT any longer due to a cardiac and lung issue and I was wondering about just doing one therapy.  Lindy

[/QUOTE] Hi Lynn, can't take Arava, MXT but may be able to take Imuran.  Waiting for a enzyme study to be completed and then I'll know for sure.  Was just wondering if you had achieved remission with mono or multi therapy.  Thanks.  Lindy[QUOTE=Lynn49] [QUOTE=GillianMac]Read Huffington Post today regarding four deaths relating to Rituxan. Thought everyone should be aware of this. [/QUOTE] [/QUOTE] TeedOff2011-06-09 14:50:34 [QUOTE=TeedOff][QUOTE=Lynn49] [QUOTE=GillianMac]Read Huffington Post today regarding four deaths relating to Rituxan. Thought everyone should be aware of this. [/QUOTE] [/QUOTE] [/QUOTE] Lynn492011-06-09 21:16:15Gilliam Mac, gave no site info just said Huffington Post and I looked at the U.S. HP and didn't find the story.  Didn't realize it was in the Canadian HP and no, I wasn't going after the poster I just wanted to clarify that I didn't find the same information as they posted for the HP and now I know why, two different countries.  Lindy [QUOTE=LinB]Gilliam Mac, gave no site info just said Huffington Post and I looked at the U.S. HP and didn't find the story.  Didn't realize it was in the Canadian HP and no, I wasn't going after the poster I just wanted to clarify that I didn't find the same information as they posted for the HP and now I know why, two different countries.  Lindy [/QUOTE] TeedOff2011-06-09 21:29:07http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/

(note the .ca suffix)
[QUOTE=JasmineRain]http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/

(note the .ca suffix)
[/QUOTE] Does it really make a difference?  This is information given by the makers of Rituxan...period. well obviously it does matter if we're talking about it What is your problem Jasmine?  I cannot see why you are insisting on this stupid exchange.  If you don't like the article don't read it.  Like I said, don't shoot the messanger.[QUOTE=Lynn49] Renee, [/QUOTE] Thanks for answering, but how did my post get under a different topic? renee222011-06-16 12:32:49[QUOTE=LinB]

Lynn, have a question.  Do you take MXT along with Rituxan.  I can't take MXT any longer due to a cardiac and lung issue and I was wondering about just doing one therapy.  Lindy

[/QUOTE] I know you were asking Lynn, but I'm also taking Rituxan, so I thought I'd answer too.  I can't Methotrexate, so I've been taking just the Rituxan and I've had wonderful results.  I've taken almost every RA med, and the Rituxan has worked better (for me) than all the others.  It's been a miracle medication and I feel so blessed that I finally found something that works.  I too take just rituxan and nothing else. My infusions have been every six months but I just had my rheumy appointment and was told that they are going to see how I do going 8 months since I have had no pain at all for these six months from the last set of infusions. What a miracle drug rituxan is. I'm still waiting for authorization but should have 1st infusion of Rituxan next week.  All of your positive results have helped me with the decision.  I would like to hear more about this course of tx.  Is it one that is difficult to get on Medicare?
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com