Rituximab/ Covid

[ks1966]

Hello.

I took my Rituximab infusion last week and I’m worried about getting Covid in the future again Can anyone on Rituximab who caught Covid share their experience with me.

Thanks

[StormySeas]

Hi there

I caught Covid a few months after my last RTX infusion.

After testing positive I reported my result online and stated that I was immune suppressed and would require antivirals.

My GP practice organised antivirals the day I phoned to request them and my partner drove me to the hospital unit that carried out the infusion which took and hour or so.

I started to feel better almost straight away, although total recovery took a few weeks.

It’s best to have antivirals within 5 days so it’s worth making sure you have a box of tests at home.

One thing I did do was to make sure RTX was clearly at the top of my medication list at the GP practice. Because the RTX infusion is administered by the hospital it was not on the GP drug list. Had I not previously checked and hassled them to put it on there I don’t believe I would have received the antivirals without a fight, and certainly not within the recommended time frame. I recommend you check this out.

Overall the whole process went surprisingly smoothly and I the hospital unit where I had the infusion was excellent.

Hope that reassures you X

[ks1966 in reply to StormySeas]

thank you 😊

[emmajj1971]

I have had covid twice with no symptoms at all apart from loss of smell the first time I've been vaccinated 5 times for covid

[Justinsherfield]

HiI to am on rituximab,methotrexate and 10mg of prednisone.

I have had covid 3 times now.

On the first 2 occasions I was given an antiviral infusion despite barely any symptoms and was fine.

I returned from a snowboarding trip 2 weeks ago with a bit of a sore throat and again tested positive for covid. Again I had barely any symptoms and tested negative within 3 days. I didn't contact rheumatology this time so had no treatment.

Obviously everyone's experience s are different but I hope this goes someway to putting your mind at rest.

Kind regards

Justin

[janmary]

I tested positive for COVID 2 months after my first Rituximab infusion having avoided it despite several close contacts for 3 years - I phoned 111 and was called back by the ‘cvid meds unit ‘ - I had such mild symptoms that I didn’t need antivirals at the time but was given a direct number to call if I got worse - which I didn’t.

But I had just felt that the infusion was starting to work and joints flared up again for a few days.

Hope this is reassuring for you - I’m the wrong side of 75 so am glad the symptoms were so mild.!!

I found the service I received was excellent

[bpeal1]

I’ve had covid twice now. The first time was 2 weeks after my Rituximab and the second time 3 months after. Both times I felt pretty rough and spent a few days in bed but I’ve had no lasting effects. The first time I tested positive at the weekend so called 111. The second time was a week day so I called my rheumatology department. Both times I received antiviral medication very quickly.

[cathie]

I've been avoiding contacts of most kind so am interested in these experiences. Does anyone have information on the advantages of the infusion over getting antiviral pills? ANy ideas as to why they prescribe one rather than another? How do the units work as far as taking care of the staff working there?

[bpeal1 in reply to cathie]

I think they prefer to prescribe the antiviral tablets (Paxlovid) if possible but there are quite a lot of contraindications so it’s not always possible. I’ve been prescribed Paxlovid twice, both times a doctor called me and went very carefully through all the medication I take before they would prescribe it.

[bpeal1 in reply to bpeal1]

nhs.uk/medicines/paxlovid/t...

[AgedCrone]

In what way are you worried?

I’ve been on Rtx since 2016…….annoyingly ……I contracted Covid last month…l coughed & sneezed for England….., really not pleasant…but at first I thought it was Flu…until I did the LFT.

I didn’t need to go in to hospital. I didn’t get the antivirals as I needed them just before Christmas & my GP was closed..& 111 was at a standstill…..when I eventually contacted the CMDU & was assessed ….. they said I should have had the AVs, but it was too late …..& although hospital was mentioned I didn’t have to be admitted. I did get a visit from two paramedics who agreed I could stay at home.

Now I feel OK….just a bit more tired than usual & a bit breathless….so I’m proof that an oldie on Rtx can get through Covid OK.

I live alone & my neighbours brought me food….left on the doorstep🏡 I am expecting my next Rtx infusion next month….seeing rheumy next week to get checked out first.

Hope you don’t succumb …..

[Shresworld]

I've had Rituxan twice and COVID twice and I was pretty sick but I've also have had many infections and the flu a lot I'm not going to continue with Rituxan at this point I was due on December 29th and declined I will wait to see what my next step will be. Good luck

[cathie]

I’ve got a lot of things I’m involved in that’s important to me, can do without additional sickness