Rituximab infusion

[285641]

Hi everyone, just wondering if it's normal to have dizziness after the rituximab infusions ? I was fine first time round last year but this second lot has knocked me for six, the first bout I just had really bad flushing that cleared the next day but this second lot I got alot less of the flushed face but really dizzy and nauseous every time I moved and racing heart, just wondered if anyone has experienced anything similar

[weathervane]

I had terrible nausea and gastritis when i first started rituximab. I felt weak and sick for a week . They have since slow the infusion rate which has helped , though i had another course a week ago and felt nauseous again, i had anti nausea pills which helped. You should contact the rheumy nurse and tell her how you are feeling and see what she recommends . I have found the Nurse very helpful. I hor you settle down and feel better soon , best wishes 🌸

[285641 in reply to weathervane]

Hi many thanks for your reply, sorry to read you felt bad too although reassuring I'm not the only one ! I think the speed it went in didn't help, because i was ok last time it went at full speed from the start but I was ok whilst there, it wasnt until next day it all started , I will phone the nurse tomorrow and see what she thinks, thanks again for the advice 😊

[weathervane in reply to 285641]

It didn’t happen immediately with me either, but yes i think you are better phoning the nurse. Good luck 🌸

[285641 in reply to weathervane]

Thank you and same to you too 😊

[AgedCrone]

I have been on RTX since 2016 & have never been nauseous or dizzy.....I do agree the speed of the infusion does seem to affect the outcome. I seem settled on 5.5 hrs.

I would contact your Biologics nurse if I were you.

I'm just out the door to go for part two of my infusions.....will come back if I do get any different reaction tomorrow.

[285641 in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi glad to hear you don't have any adverse reactions from it. Yes I think it was the faster speed that did it especially as I was ok last time but low and behold its gone today and woke with no joint pain ! Good luck today hope all goes well for you 😊

[AgedCrone in reply to 285641]

If only the nurses would read the notes properly & not make their own decisions.

I have just driven myself home🚙 from my infusion....feeling fine......now.n

But I had a very unpleasant hour after the first 90 minutes. Didn't question anything....I just felt really woozy & light headed.....but it went on a bit, so I asked how fast the drip was set. ........whereby the nurse said "I thought you did OK on 5.5 so I thought you could try 5"! Grr!

I felt like saying. Please discuss next time...I did actually get it lowered.

I am now going to question what speed at EVERY INFUSION. Once the drip slowed down I felt much better & as I said I'm fine now...tired but OK....I was in the unit for 8 hrs....so early night tonight.

I guess it was clocking off time as they were washing the chairs & putting visitors chairs away when I was the last one to leave.

Now let's see how I feel in a couple of weeks!

[285641 in reply to AgedCrone]

Oh No sorry to hear that........hope you're ok and remain so. Just shows you what a difference the speed makes but terrible nursing not to check with you first, I must say they're all brilliant at our unit but good to know you need to be aware hey! Hope you have a good nights rest and feel ok tomorrow and going forward 😊

[AgedCrone in reply to 285641]

On re-reading my post I of course meant the infusion WENT UP to 6! I must be really confused !!

Thank you..I have just changed units...only a ten minute drive from home rather than 40 minutes & was I glad not to have that drive in the rush hour?

Nicely settled now with a rotating timed fan at each end of the bedroom...so hope to doze off soon & be a new woman in the morning!

G'night!

[285641 in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi hope you had a nice cool night with those fans going and woke up a new woman ! Fingers crossed for you 😊

[AgedCrone in reply to 285641]

Thank you..I did sleep well, but still feel washed out today. Unusual as I usually sail through Infusions.

i have put a BIG note in diary to check infusion speed before I'm even canulated in December. ...not that there is much I can do...if the RTX is working I will just say I want 5.5.....I'm not going to walk away am I?

I'm sure getting it too fast has discombobulated me...can't even get interested in the tennis.

No doubt tomorrow will be better.