Hi hope all the fellow suffere are not suffering .
Quick one regarding ritx its my second infusion had my first one last year with no issues..and the first of the two im.due back next thursday for my second round.. however ive had the.worst headache since last thursday my head is bouncing im so tired drained with the headache anyone else had this and how long before it stops. Feel like my bp is high.
Thanksnon advance
Yvonne
Please speak to our rheumatoid nurse as she will put your mind at rest. I have had 2 courses of these infusions with no adverse results and felt good once they started to work on my body. However, it shouldn't give you a bad head then your nurse needs to know. Hope it settles down for you soon.
Hi Vonnie
Yes I agree with Ardea. Do get proper advice from your nurse/patient helpline. I have not suffered headaches from Rituximab although I understand some people do. I was advised to drink lots of water during the infusion and then subsequently and maybe that's why I have avoided them.
I have been on Rtx for 4 years very successfully......years before that I suffered badly with sinus headaches.
Sinus infections are noted as a side-effect for some people.
I had an infusion yesterday and for three weeks prior I have been having what’I think are sinus headaches-so I’m just going to see if the headaches disappear after the infusion....which is kind of a contra indication of side effect!
If not I usually get a one week dose of ant biotics which has cleared it the twice it has happened in four years.
Hope your head clears soon.
AC
Hi. I was told I might get a headache dehydrate before, during and after . But if course tell the staff of the problem x goid luck x
Hi Vonnie, I did get headaches for a week or two after my last infusion it started on Rituximab (Truxima ie biosimilar) Dec 10th; washed out soon after though felt pretty good the day after. It was the second dose of my first two infusions that made me utterly wiped out by the next day, and gave constant stonking headache. I asked others on here and some did get the same. I therefore bore with it. Been feeling a lot better for about ten days now. But if in doubt, call the advice line. 
(The Rituximab does tend to raise BP too.)
Think you should check that fact charisma....
Rituximab may LOWER blood pressure....so if you take medication to lower your BP you may be advised...as I am......not to take your pill on the morning of your infusion. You will normally be told this by your rheumy nurse prior to your first infusion,
Don’t want the clinic floor littered with Rtx patients flaking out when they stand up cos their BP has hit the floor ! 🤕
Thanks, AC. I have no BP problem or drugs for it. It was one of the nurses monitoring my BP, pulse and temp during the infusion, who said the transfusion can raise BP. Not sure about afterwards, long term.
I had to search online for a patient info leaflet. Since the drug is not in my hands, there was none given me!
Headaches are quite common.
Pages 6-7 relevant for RA. medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...
The antihistamine premed gives me a horrible spaced out sensation for a couple of hours but apart from that, so far so good.
BP can rise during any infusion due to anxiety about the procedure, but chemically Rtx will lower it...I watched mine yesterday & it was lower than it is normally when I take the medication.
Funnily enough Vonnie i had bad headaches after last rituximab, i have been receiving it now for 3 -4 years. They did settle down, I thought the cause was the steroid part of the infusion . If you are worried do contact the rheumy nurse as they are very helpful. Best wishes 🌸
Did the hospital not give you an information pack at 1st infusion plus a med card to carry? I got mine on 1st visit.
Also as said before make sure you still drink plenty of water in the days after.
Hope it gets better soon x
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