Rituximab infusion - side effects?!

[nada28]

Hi everyone,

I am awaiting a rituximab infusion and i was just wondering how anyone whos had it reacted? How did you feel the next couple of days after? I am a medical student with exams coming up so I just want to pre-empt how much time I am going to need to rest! Do you need time off after it?

Thank you!

[Tiggywoos]

hi Nada

I haven’t had them but my husband has had four . He did feel a little bit tired the day after the day after If that makes any sense . Not tired enough to be off work though . I’m sure they affect everyone differently but he met lots of other people having them and they also were ok .

Take care and good luck

[nada28 in reply to Tiggywoos]

Thank you so much x

[CarolMcl]

Hi. The only issue I've had is being unable to sleep on the night of getting the infusion. I think the reason is down to the IV steroid given before the infusion. Hope this helps 🌹

[nada28 in reply to CarolMcl]

Yes it does thank you!

[Loopy1971]

Hi Nada. I’ve had 3 infusions. The only side effect is that I’ve been slightly tired. I’ve always been able to go to work the following day without any problems. Good luck xx

[nada28 in reply to Loopy1971]

Thats reassuring thank you so much xx

[weathervane]

Hi nada , when i first started rituximab i had awful gastritis and felt sick for a week and very tired. I now get it at a slow rate and i find im just tired for 2-3 days . You do have to be careful as you will be more prone to infection, though the last few years i have been lucky- i still wear a mask when out . Good luck with your exams !!

[nada28 in reply to weathervane]

Thank you! Hope its better for you now xx

[jon3120]

Hi Nada,

I’ve had 2 infusions the only side effect I’ve had is extreme tiredness where I really struggle to keep my eyes open. Good luck with your exams 🙂

[nada28 in reply to jon3120]

Thank you so much x

[Trixie01]

hi, I’ve had over ten rituximab infusions and I don’t work the following day but that’s because it affects my blood pressure during the infusion and for a couple of days after so I’m really light headed and need to lay down as much as I can for 24 hours after. Same as mentioned above, I also can’t sleep the night of my infusion but that again is because the steroid infusion can cause insomnia. Hope all goes well for you x

[nada28 in reply to Trixie01]

Ahh okay I see thank you so much for sharing xx

[Turquoise-1]

Hi nada28,

My 62 year old husband has them for his RA.

He says once they start working, (which isn’t instantly), they are the best & most effective treatment he’s had thus far & make him feel like a new man!

Latest one was 10 days ago, no side effects at all, he was on an early shift the following morning after a 6 hour infusion & felt absolutely fine. He has another next Wednesday.

What suits one doesn’t suit another & we all differ in how we feel & react on/to medications.

Hope all goes well for you 🙂

[nada28 in reply to Turquoise-1]

Thats so reassuring I really hope it works for me too! Thank you xx

[ijeasike]

I have had it some years ago, I get tired and need a couple of days rest. But that's just me, I get exhausted after any sort of infusion I have ever had. If it's possible to book it for a Friday so you can have Saturday and Sunday rest. That's my suggestion. Take care and good luck xx

[nada28 in reply to ijeasike]

Thank you I will try! xx

[Sheranda]

No Nada you will great after the infusion..

You will have to pee right after but you will feel much better but you will have to take it slow but and try not to over do it because you will feel like you can run a marathon but take it easy.

I've been receiving the infusion for 6years now it help but I also have 4 types of arthritis and need two need replacements but I have been dealing with condition for 30yrs.

take a snack and maybe a book to

my appointment s usually last about 4hrs.