Rituximab, given weekly for 4 weeks experiences?

[SantaZia]

I begin my treatment for cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia, in January 2022 with a single agent of rituximab, given weekly for 4 weeks. This will include dexamethasone with the treatment to reduce any allergic reactions. I know each treatment is different for everyone, but I am wondering what it was like for folks. Thank you!

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi SantaZia,

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I did that in 2010, in a small clinic in Oakland CA. prescribed by a doctor that knew little about CLL.

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Fortunately the first week, I had my wife with me and a really experienced nurse running the protocol. So when I began to itch and my wife saw my face turn red, she called the nurse over. They stopped the pump for 30 minutes, gave me more Benadryl & cortisone and then restarted the pump a bit slower. The rest of that day they kept increasing the pump speed and I finished the dose after about 6 hours, with no problems.

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Each following week, we started at a higher initial dose and ramped up quicker, with no reactions, and by week 4 I was getting the full dose in 3.5 hours.

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I figured out that Benadryl gave me headaches and made me logy, and when I switched to Lortadine (Claratin) taken at home 30 to 60 minutes before the start of the infusion, I could skip the cortisone and start my infusions as soon as my blood tests were read.

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Len

[SantaZia in reply to lankisterguy]

Thanks Len very helpful

[cllady01 Former Volunteer in reply to lankisterguy]

Len, did you mean you skipped the benadryl rather than the cortisone?

[lankisterguy Volunteer in reply to cllady01]

I skipped them both, and used only Lortadine, but the Benadryl was my primary problem.

[mk2045]

I have had it twice in one year because of AIHA. The first treatment should be titrated very slowly and carefully monitored. Good infusion nurses know how to do this right. After the first of the four it was pretty easy and over in a couple hours. The first takes longer. I am now on Calquence and doing well. Hopefully will keep AIHA at bay.

[SantaZia in reply to mk2045]

Glad to hear it. Thanks

[mark56]

I had that treatment for my anemia done 4 years ago. Ever since my wbc has been in the normal range

[Richardmint]

I received 4 sessions of Rituximab together with Prednisilone to treat Haemolytic Anaemia in 2019. I had no side effects and the treatment worked well by bringing the blood counts back to normal. All the best with your treatment.

[SantaZia]

Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge and experience.