Do you have experience with rituxan infusions?

[Multijo]

Hello all. I have had rituxan infusions for my RA and MS for about two years. I used to be very tired after infusion 1 of 2 and sleep the remainder of the day. Two days agoI had a day 1 infusion. It was reduced to only being 3 hours (used to be close to 5). Today I am totally out of gas. Cut short my stretches and ready for a nap. I don't recall being this tired on day 1 of 2 infusion before. Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks

[weathervane]

Hi there , i have had 2 set of infusions now for sjogrens. After the first i felt quite ill with gastritis and was in bed for nearly 5 days . I have coped much better with the second set in January , i have more energy. The infusion was given slower this time because I felt so ill after the first set . Maybe this is something that should be considered if you have another lot. Best wishes, hope you feel better soon 💐

[Multijo in reply to weathervane]

Thank you! I will ask them to slow it up. That is a good idea.

[Beachgirl11]

I now have had 3 full sets / may / aug of 2016 and jan of 17. - 1st round in jan kicked my butt tired , exhausted , tasted metal and headaches . Second infusion not too much of an issue. Im also a RN. I think how well we are hydrated and I do think slowing down the infusion .....

Do they give you a pre med ? 3 hours seems too quick - first one was almost 5.5-6 hours now they are about 4.5 hours

Other than that I think it works the best and I was on a few .... I have RA was diagnosed 3 years ago at age 44

[Multijo]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes I take drugs (pill form and via bag) prior to the rituxan. I was surprised at the time. They said the vendors directions changed based on new learnings. But I think I will ask the first o e be slowed at least a little bit. This exhaustion. Is dreadful.

[lfayer]

I just had my third set, I sleep through the most of the infusion due to the pre medication, specifically the Benadryl. I am tired for a few hours after the infusion, but then the steroids kick in and I clean my house, watch TV keep the dogs awake until 3 or 4 in the morning. Finally I manage to sleep a couple hours then am back awake like the energizer bunny. Sadly by the 2nd day after, the steroid euphoria is gone and I am back to normal.