I had my second of the latest duo of Rituximab infusions on Tuesday, three days ago. No reactions at the time at all and nothing to report on the one two weeks ago or indeed any of the others I've had since 2014. Just some increased upper respiratory infections from time to time.
I can only think the reactions I've had are due to to the fact I ate two soya (Alpro) yoghurts earlier in the week (apparently soya makes you allergic if you are already allergic to peanuts, strawberries and shellfish .. two of which I never eat due to such severe allergies.)
I look like I am an extra in Hammer House of Horrors, although the eyelid puffiness has calmed a little since starting antihistamines prescribed by the GP yesterday afternoon and the tapioca pudding type hives and the rashes on my arms chest and tum have calmed a bit too but still not gone.
It's the eyes which are worrying me as I've never had a bag under my eye in my entire life. I have two puffy little under eye hives which haven't gone down and also eyelid swelling in general. There is some improvement since the photo was taken yesterday but I'm worried that it won't go.
I've been prescribed Chlorphenamine Maleate 4mgs, max of four daily and have a week's supply. Anyone else ever had an allergic hives reaction to soya products whilst on Rituximab? I was worried that Rituximab has caused this reaction but my rheumy nurse phoned me and said it isn't that as it's never happened before and would have done the first of the recent duo, and didn't! However, the GP I saw yesterday says that Rituximab heightens histamine and then the fact I've had these two soya yoghurts this week has exacerbated the histamine levels in my body triggering the attack. It started exactly 24 hours after my infusion. Reading about soya allergy, apparently it can take a few days to appear as hives and this is exactly the way I had a reaction to prawns (pre RA many years ago.)
Anyone else ever had similar re soya whilst on Rituximab?
Note to self ... read ALL meds leaflets before having pharmacy and NEVER touch soya products .. not that I usually do but the yoghurts looked very nice!
Sorry for the photo of my eyes .. I've never felt so hideous. I'm looking for my Raybans this weekend .. hide the eyes if they don't improve.
NK x
Heavens above what next?!
Not my hospitals finest hour
I've come back --------- but i'm not sure where I've been
Shrunk, squinty but relieved!
Post Rituximab wipe-out
Aw bless you. It does look uncomfortable. I don't know, but I was prone to rashes on ritux.
Hope the antihistamines work xxx
Thank you darling. That's useful to know although sorry you had those too. Can't put make up on or use cleansers or moisturisers (which weren't the cause btw ... nothing new re products!) so just warm water. Putting cold compresses of water on my eyes. xxx
Aw. You'll soon be looking like your lovely self xx
Thank you! xx. I'm relieved it isn't Rituximab going bonkers on me! How are founding with your latest med? Not sure what you are on at the mo but hope it's holding the RA back. xx
I'm on Tocizilumab TCZ infusions monthly and that with hydrochlorquine, leflonamide and only 2mg prednisolone a day I'm doing SO well!! Feel more like me! So happy.
Also losing weight. Off insulin and just on 1 diabetic tablet ! Wow and they just lowered my blood pressure tablet. !
Hope you get yours sorted out!
That's soooo great! Yay! Only 2mg Pred is a fantastic achievement. Apart from the allergies and little tired post infusions, I'm feeling very fine and Rituximab has been the best thing for me ever. I'm on 15mgs sub cut Mtx but want to talk about lowering that soon. I have lost 8lbs since Christmas (and my trousers are falling down!) I have another stone to lose to return me to where I was pre Pred, but I'm doing great with exercise and watching what I eat, and sounds like you're doing similar. Great isn't it?! Happy too for you and all of us doing well .. and those in limbo at the mo .. it will get right for you. We promise. We are proof! Keep the faith ... as JBJ sang! xx