rituximab reaction

[Emily00]

Hi Has anyone had a reaction to rituximab? and if you did, did your rheumatologist contact you about it or just wait until your next appointment before talking to you?

thanks!

[weathervane]

Do you mean an allergic reaction? That would need to be dealt with urgently.

[Emily00 in reply to weathervane]

I had an allergic reaction during the infusion and the nurses were straight onto it. They stopped the infusion and I was given something (steroid or antihistaminen?) and then I was OK. The nurses were quite sure that rheumatology would contact me in the week afterwards and stongly advised me to call them if they did not call me within a week. I called them and left a message but no-one got back to me. I was just wondering what sort of contact you should expect from your rheumatologist? We don't have specialised nurses here but I did go to my GP who also advised me to call them.

[AgedCrone]

If you have what you think is an adverse reaction to Rituxumab you should contact your rheumy nurse explaining what you are worried about.

If you have had blood tests that show you need attention your medical team will contact you.

I just had what turned out to be just a very bad cold a week after my second infusion......but as I had a cough which I never have - I contacted my rheumy nurse, had blood tests & all was well.

You have to speak up if you are worried....after all with 6 months between infusions you need to keep alert.

[weathervane]

Hi emily , it was great the nurses were on to it so quickly! I would definitely phone again, were you able to leave a message. I have a rheumy nurse , i can phone leave a message and they reply within 24-48 hours and they are in communication with the consultant. I hope you hear soon 🎄⛄️