2nd Rituximab infusion and another flare... Anyone else had the Same?

[Harpey]

Hi all

I've just had my second infusion of Rituximab, followed by a flare a couple of days later. It would be really helpful to hear if anyone else had the same reaction and then went on to feel good on the drug - just trying to not get too downhearted 😕

Many thanks

[ladydog]

Hi I had a bad flare after my first rituximab which lasted a couple off weeks and still had slight inflammation on my hands and feet.I'm due my second infusion in about 3 weeks and am hoping that long term this is the right drug to help my symptoms. I have tryed a lot off meds and had bad reactions but do seem ok on this drug so fingers crossed .

[Harpey in reply to ladydog]

Thanks for your reply and fingers crossed for us both!

[Neriah]

Are you sure it was a flare? I certainly felt grotty after my rituximab infusions; I was sick, dizzy and generally weak, but I put that down to a reaction to the drug itself rather than an actual flare.(I have SLE) Also, to encourage you, by about three months later I felt about 60% better = more energy, more positive, more me!

[Harpey in reply to Neriah]

Thanks for your reply. Yes it was a flare in my wrist - pain, heat and swelling - and also in my jaw too. I also developed a rash yesterday but that might have been from the anti-inflammatories I was taking to help the flare. I am trying to keep positive though and keeping fingers crossed the benefits will start soon.