I hope that everyone is at least having a manageable week so far. Ive just gotten in from round 2 of Rituxan. So far there isn’t much difference in side effects from the first infusion. I did get a headache and I have a Stress fracture in my left foot and ankle. The doctor says it’s from having to use steroids for such a long time to help with the RA and they use mega doses as pre meds before the infusion has made me gain weight and has made my bones brittle. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced a stress fracture while on Rituxan and how did you treat the injury? Well I’m off to eat my chicken noodle soup and I’m going to bed because I am exhausted. I hope everyone has a restful night tonight. Sweet Dreams to all.
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Maat2002
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Hi I've been on Rituximab since April 2014 and haven't had any stress fractures to my knowledge but I did wonder if it's possible I actually have had some in my feet without realising? I asked my biologics nurse this week (as I've just had my infusion) about the IV steroid and if it causes weight gain and she said not as it wasn't a high dose and is flushed through your system and doesn't remain in it long. You can tell it doesn't stay in you long as its effects of relief only last about three days. It's the oral steroids that pile weight on when you've taken those any length of time and make it so very hard to shift. I'm dealing with that myself at the moment. Good luck.
I have been on Rituximab infusions since 2008, so have had numerous infusions. The drug has enabled me to have a much better quality of life than I had before. Yes, I have had a stress fracture but that was before I started on Rituximab. The fracture was in my right tibia following a left ankle fusion and I was then diagnosed with osteopenia, the forerunner to osteoporosis. I was treated with Alendronic acid for five years and since my bone scans have been within normal limits for my age. Have you had a bone scan? Please insist on one as you may have a problem. As far as I know though the Rituximab has no connection with the stress fracture.
My osteopenia was due to the fact that I have been on oral prednisolone for over 30 years and due to the RA have much reduced mobility. Have used a wheelchair for many years as I can only walk very short distances.
I would also urge you to monitor your immunoglobulin levels as I have now developed hypogammaglobulinaemia. Many drugs used to treat RA are immunosuppressant e.g. steroids, methotrexate and biologic drugs, and over time can have a detrimental effect on your immune system resulting in repeated infections. This condition was missed in my case and it was only when I got shingles for the 5th time that I diagnosed myself and told the consultant what I suspected. I now receive infusions of immunoglobulins on a regular basis.
Do hope the Rituximab is effective for you. Best wishes.
I'm also struggling to get the weight off after 6 months of very high doses of Prednisone. Have been back to 7.5mg for a while but know I'm very unlikely to get below 5mg, ever. They are great for pain in the short term but the side effects......!!!
Interesting about the stress fractures. I don't think that I've had any but am probably due a Dexa scan to check on Bone density. Something to be aware of so thank you for that and to the other 2 replies so far Neon Kitty and Pam-51
My feet hurt all the time now or are best are uncomfortable, but that seems to be nerve pain that came on me during a flare in 2016. Gabapentin has helped with that but is yet another drug.
Rituximab is helping but I still don't feel the RA is completely supressed. It felt like it was on Enbrel and Cyclosporine. However my kidney function started to be reduced so no option but to change.
The joys of Chameleon and obstinate RA - We have to be the same
My immunoglobulin levels were checked in before my last infusions in Oct but not as a general rule, so again something to be aware of
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