Desensitization with Rituxan

[Jackieyar]

Has anyone done the desensitization protocol with Rituxan?

I have had two anaphylactic reactions from prior Rituxan so I'm very apprehensive. I have splenic marginal zone lymphoma/ CLL. Let me know your experience please.

[oncloudnine]

I had no problems with rituxan. It was one drug of five total given to me for R-Chop chemo. I had the expected reaction to the chemo procedure.

[Elseas]

I'm not familiar with the desensitization protocol, but I do not get the normal, rapid infusion. Mine is given in a "step up" where it starts at a rate of 56-57 then increases by that every half hour up to a max rate of 224-228. Always starts with the benadryl/tylenol given half hour before infusion start. Been administered this way for almost 4 years now, every 8 weeks (and Thur is the next one). I do get reactions to it but nothing life threatening - unbelievable itching, pealing skin, nausea. Feel like I have a bad flu. But if it's keeping the mantle cell from getting worse, I'll deal with it!

[Jackieyar in reply to Elseas]

Elseas thank you for sharing. It's hard to decide what treatment will have the greatest results with the fewest reactions. Pretreatment has always been a part of the Rituxan treatment but I have never received a full dose because of life threatening side effect. Hypersensitivity is about the same threat to me as the cancer. And I'm weary of the struggles. You have given me a different perspective . Thank you

[Elseas]

I guess I'm a little surprised they would still be insisting on giving you Rituxan if the side effects are so severe. They've held it for me numerous times when my neutrofil counts drop too low. They're always in the low range, but won't give Rituxan when it's below 1,000.