How severe were the side effects for ... - ITP Support Assoc...

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How severe were the side effects for you with Rituxan? I have lupus and B cells are destroying platelets, last count 38,000.

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Ltinny
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I developed neutropenia and flu like symptoms but not much else. Its my drug of choice I have had 3 , 3.2 and 3.6 years remissision after each round of treatment ( 1 day per week over 4 weeks for each) I have no success with any other treatment.

Ltinny profile image
Ltinny in reply to

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your sharing with me. I am still unsure about Rituxan, as I have not tried anything at all yet. My rheumatologist thinks that is the way to go if my platelets get below 30. I would rather try IVIG first I think. But, if I can say above 30 hopefully I won't need to undergo treatment. Thanks again.

Morgan profile image
Morgan

Hi I had no side effects at all but only had it the once, I dont have lupas though so you may react differently. Take care x

Ltinny profile image
Ltinny in reply to Morgan

Thanks for sharing. I am hoping I won't need treatment. I feel fine, lupus is under good control. I get some bruising here and there, but other than that no other symptoms.

Kumba profile image
Kumba

No noticeable side-effects from low-dose Rituxamab. No benefit either. I do not have Lupus.

NickyD profile image
NickyD

did not have any side effects when I took it.

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Ltinny in reply to NickyD

Thank you for the reply. Did the Rituxan improve your platelets?

technogeek profile image
technogeek

I am a diabetic and had my first Rituxan treatment 6 days ago.  My vision blurred when treatment started.  Have had repeated loss of visual acuity through the week and went to emergency yesterday.  I feel I have lost much strength and my senses are dull and somewhat unstable.   My platelets are up but I have also been on 40mG of Decadrom for 4 of the days after treatment.  I worry about potential for PML and do not feel confident to proceed.