Rituximab

[Pange63]

I had my first infusion of Rituximab two weeks ago which went very smoothly. I am due my second dose tomorrow. Unfortunately I managed to pick up a cough/cold five days ago. Does anyone know if I will be able to go ahead with the treatment ? I haven’t been able to ask due to the weekend and will just have to go along and see what they say. I am a bit concerned that if the Rituximab doesn’t bring about an improvement in my RA , I will be worse off because I will be prone to infections all the time. Any advice/reassurance ?

[J1707-]

best to contact the infusion ward . Normally they say no infections . If they say no then they can rebook

[3LittleBirds2]

Hi,

What time are you due in tomorrow? Best to call them a call or go along anyway to check , like J1 has said it is usually postponed if you have an infection and need antibiotics. They will ask you if you feel well (apart from the cold) and have no temp or signs of an infection , but the experts are the one to ask 😊

Best wishes and hope Rituximab works for you , it was a miracle drug for me!

[Wannabeabago in reply to 3LittleBirds2]

glad to hear it was a miracle drug for you. When you say “was,” have you stopped it?

Did you get infections all the time on it?

Cheers.

[3LittleBirds2 in reply to Wannabeabago]

Hi, I was prone to infections on Ritux but these were manageable side effects and out weighed by the benefit I got from it. It was stopped as my Consultant felt it was becoming less effecting at controlling my RA.

[AgedCrone]

I’m afraid you will probably not be given a Rituximab infusion if you have an infection, but don’t worry I had to cancel a second infusion when I was still on the two week regime. ..& as I recall it was just given later.

But if this happens in future ,,,,,,do you give your biologic nurses notice as soon as you feel you have an infection …it,s best to check early because they could give your place to somebody else…& fit you in later.

I have been on Rituximab for six years now and haven’t had any extra infections, and in fact I’m now only on annual infusions. it’s well worth keeping going on it if it suits you.

Try phoning your clinic early ……first thing tomorrow morning…save yourself a journey.

[sunnyweek]

I had a cold just before my last infusion so I rang the day case unit a few days before and they re-arranged it as they wouldn't give it to me with a cold. Please ring early as they may be able to ring somebody else to go at short notice if they consider you not well enough. I'm not sure how early the pharmacy deliver the drug. Hope you feel better soon and get your second round.

I haven't had any extra infections due to being on retuximab and I've had about 12 cycles now.

[Evie3]

yes ask advice. A cold isnt an infection but they do take your temperature. Good luck

[Tessthomy]

Agree with Evie3. They will take your temp regardless and ask how you feel. They’ll postpone and will book in a few days time if necessary which won’t make much difference to your overall result of Rituximab. I too have had several ‘rounds’ and yes a miracle drug so far with now on 14 months since the last one and still waiting for flares They’ve left it to me to book once i start flaring more often rather than fix an appointment that I don’t necessarily need at the moment. Long may it last.! And for you also. Good luck 🤞 TT

[madme1]

I would contact your rhrumy team and the infusion ward. Like others have said if their are signs of infection, infusion I'd normally postponed.

[Pange63]

thank you all for your advice and reassurance. I called the unit first thing and was advised to reschedule. Just hope I shake off this cold I’m the next few days

[beachbabe]

well I think if it sounds like you’ve still

Got a cold they won’t do it as you’ll be even more prone to other infections.

Ritux does lower your immune so you will be vulnerable to having more odd infections but I wouldn’t ever give up having the infusion as I wouldn’t be able to move otherwise and my quality of life would be where it was 8/9 years ago.

So I would recommend having it 👍

[Seville7]

Hi Pange63

How have you got on with rituximab? I had my first infusion yesterday & am pleased it went ok 😊 ( I was v anxious).I got a headache & felt v hot at times overnight, nothing paracetamol couldn’t cover. So I’m relieved and relaxing today hoping this treatment the lovely day unit nurse called ‘ the Rolls Royce’ drug works for us all. I feel very lucky to have had it.

All the best, 🤗

[Pange63]

Hi. So glad it went well for you. I was very anxious about the first one too but it was fine. Unfortunately I picked up a chest infection so had to postpone my second dose for a couple of weeks but I had it on Monday and it was fine. My joints feel a bit better already! My only concern is being prone to infections. Like you I have heard great things about the drug and feel lucky to have it. My nurse thinks I will need it every six months.