Rituximab

[Kazpig1]

Hi

Has anyone had full dose rituximab for their itp. (I have had the itp dose with no success so consultant wants to give full dose) if anyone has had full dose rituximab how did they get on and was there any side effects and did it work

[technogeek]

Yes, I have just had another round of treatment. My platelets went from 32000 up to 318000 by the third treatment. But on the day of the last treatment it was back down to 220000. My history is this treatment only lasts for roughly 6 months. But for others it either can last for several years or not at all. I understand the difference is with the individual and underlying circumstances. I do wish diagnosis was based more on ruling out potential causes and not just on symptoms. I believe it is important to know the root cause before prescribing treatments. I wish you best of luck in solving your puzzle. God Bless

[Kazpig1 in reply to technogeek]

Thank you.I am off to have the first of 4 on Monday so I will see how it goes, when I had the last lot (itp dose) nothing happened at all, platelets stayed at 0. So I am hoping the bigger dose will do something

[Poetsister]

I too had Rituximab but unfortunately the results were very poor. Platlet count didntt rise much and after two weeks were down again at a low number. I didnt have any side affects luckily but this treatment wasnt for me. I am now on Eltrombag tablets which is better for me. Good luck with your treatment, l wish you well.

[Zaff]

I had a course of Rituximab (4 doses a week apart) in March 2016 and after 3 months my platelets rose steadily, they are still at a normal level but am aware this is only considered remission and not a cure

[AnthonyHeard Administrator ITP Support Association]

Yes I have had Rituximab twice. In 2010 and 2013. Worked for me both times and I got about 2years and 8 months remission both times. Please do have a look at my ITP blog which covers my Rituximab experiences and other ITP related issues too...

If you click on the following link and check out Episodes 15, 16, 17 , 23 and 24 that specifically covers my Rituximab experiences anthonyheard.simplesite.com

Hope that helps

[bruiser2017]

I had Rituximab April 2017 0 4 week course of infusions; there was a short delay before platelet count started rising, from 8 it went up to 79 by month 4 and continued a slow, steady increase. Blood test September 2018 count reached 245, then 3 weeks ago, when after 19months and 4 days counts dropped through the floor and I was back on emergency treatment; new blood test Monday 17/12/2018 when haematologist will discuss future treatments; he has ruled out another Rituximab course as remission periods get shorter with each course and risk of severe infections become much greater.

Not sure why you didn't get the approved 4 week course to start with, although I understand that some haematologists outside the UK have different views on cost/benefits.