Rituximab & Antibiotics?

[Twitty999]

I am due to start infusions of the Biologic Rituximab next month & was wondering what would happen if I had an infection? Would I still be able to have Antibiotics with Rituximab in my system? 🤔

[AgedCrone]

I had a chest infection (very rare for me) after my second Rtx infusion back in 2016, & I was given antibiotics.

When you think about it you can’t stop taking Rtx once you’ve had your infusion and they’ve got to give you something if you have a bad infection.

Of course everybody is different .....if somebody has regular chest or other infections....they maybe wouldn’t be putting you on Rtx?

Do speak to your rheumatology nurse she will know your clinical background and if you could have ab’s or not.

[Twitty999 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you for your reply AgedCrone, I actually requested Rituximab from my Consultant because I had read that it can actually be especially beneficial for patients with Bronchiectasis and she agreed to put me on it next month but now I’m wondering how, because it will be in my system, can I be given antibiotics if I did get one of my regular winter chest infections?. I will of course ask the question at my next visit. And I’m sure the same question arises with any infused Biologic? 🤔 xx

[AgedCrone in reply to Twitty999]

Knowing your full clinical history your rheumatologist would not have prescribed Rtx, even if you begged her, if there was any chance it would adversely affect you.

Plus when applying for funding for Rtx, those making the decisions would have your full clinical history, and if they thought you shouldn’t have it they wouldn’t have given the funding.

As I said...I was given ab’s whilst on Rtx......& my rheumatologist was asked before I had them & agreed it was OK.

[Twitty999 in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes, you are right, they had all my clinical history before making the decision & they are the experts 😊 Thanks for your reply it’s very much appreciated, hope all is good with you. X

[AgedCrone in reply to Twitty999]

I have just uprighted my 20 lillies that toppled over in the storms.I have told them to hold on tighter next time....but I don’t think they listened!!

[Teedeez]

I just started Rituximab and my doctor put me on an antibiotic with it right away.

[Twitty999 in reply to Teedeez]

Thank you Teedeez, I hope it works well for you 😊