1st dose of Rituximab

As the title says it's my 1st dose of Rituximab next week to hopefully help bring the inflammation in my kidneys down. I know everyone is different with regards to side effects but what does one expect and how accurate/good is this drug. I didn't even think about not taking the chance to get this drug as I have full confidence in the specialists that look after at the hospital. Also had steroids upped slightly and staying on MMF too to see how I go.

[Melba1]

Good luck with it. I think it’s very well tolerated in general and lots of people report their symptoms improve. I’ve had 4 infusions, the actual infusions were all fine but felt a bit flu like and palpitations after the first lot (but I get that on most drugs!) No side effects at all after later ones. Most people say feel a bit tired.

They’ll give you a slow infusion for the first one and monitor you really well for any reaction but if you don’t have a reaction first time it’s very unlikely you’ll react badly to any more doses (and if you do have a reaction they are very vigilant and well prepared with IVs every 30 minutes). Take something to do and eat but be warned they also give you steroids and piriton first and the piriton absolutely knocked me out. My husband was trying to talk to me, had taken the morning of work to keep me company and I just couldn’t keep my eyes open!

Like you say everyone’s different so it’s always unknown with both positives and side effects but fingers crossed it works well for you xx

[Hidden in reply to Melba1]

Thanks very much. Due to drive home at night afterwards so here's hoping.

[AgedCrone in reply to Hidden]

Hi Kitman.....I have been on RTX since 2016 (for RA not Lupus related) & I always drive there & back.

As Melba1 says - the anti histamine does make you very sleepy at the beginning of the infusion..but after a sandwich & plenty of tea & cold drinks, I always feel quite safe to drive myself home.

RTX has suited me very well & has hopefully put me In remission after 20 years of RA.

Good Luck, I really hope it helps your kidney inflammation.

[Hidden in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks, fingers crossed