Shingles: Due to have the second of my 2 rituximab... - NRAS

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Shingles

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Due to have the second of my 2 rituximab infusions for RA last Thursday but started with shingles, yet again! So infusion cancelled and am on antiviral treatment for seven days. Has anyone else had a problem with cancelled treatments? How long can be left between infusions for it still to work? Will I have to start over again? Have looked on-line for answers without success. My infusion unit has a waiting list of 12 weeks so feeling very down about this.

Thanks for any info. Pam

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hatshepsut profile image
hatshepsut

Don't have the answer, just wanted to sympathise. I have had shingles twice, and know how debilitating itcan be . Hope it's a mild case, and you get better quickly! M x

swisslass profile image
swisslass

Sorry cant help but hope you feel better soon. Shingles seems something we RA folk pick up easily do you know why. Also thought you could only get it once ! I guess its the weak immune system?

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Scorer in reply toswisslass

Know that the drugs deplete our immune system. Methotrexate and Rituximab both affect the immune system and I take both. Couldn't do without them though. Thanks for your good wishes.

Pam

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purplecats

I have had to have a second infusion cancelled and they told me that unless you have it within 4 weeks of your first infusion they won't be able to give you yours second dose. I had to miss my second dose entirely and wait for my next round of treatment to get the full dose. 

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Jackie1947

I've recently finished two rounds of Rituximab.  I was informed that if I couldn't come to the second round because of illness only another week would be allowed.ie 3 week gap between first and second infusion.  Failing that I would have to wait 6 months!  I don't know if this was my hospitals policy or general. I had a shingles jab before I started the infusion about a month before as I wouldn't be allowed to have it after starting Rituximab because it's a live vaccine.  Hope you feel better soon

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