I am about to undergo a transition from cyclophosphomide to rituximab .I have so far had 8 infusions if cyclo however the W.G is still active following a relapse which began in april 2011 .I wondered if anyone had experienced a transition in this way with the plan being that I have 1 more infusion of cyclo 1 week followed by 2 infusions of rituximab 1 the week after and the next 10 days after that. The Cyclo really wipes me out for 2 or 3 weeks . The consultant is obviously confident that there will be a good outcome however I wondered what a patients experience would be .Thanks in anticipation of any feed back
Carol
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cazy-g
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I have only had one round of cyclo back in Oct 2009, they decided straight away it hadn't helped and got me approved for Rituximab, which I had in Jan 2010.
Since then I have also had it in Sept 2010 and Oct 2011. The rheumy's plan is to give it to me annually as a maintenance.
The neuro thinks I should go back to cyclo as he thinks they made the switch too quick.
Personally for me I haven't felt better but I think I'm a bit of an oddity in that the rheumy and neuro disagree on the vasculitis (I've put posts on about this), I think maybe the Rituximab is just letting things simmering gently rather than boil over, if that makes sense.
I know from other people having the Rituixmab at the same times as me that the majority have had great results and would recommend it, also I don't think it has the same toxicity as cyclo (sure others on here can help with that).
When I have Rituximab they put two weeks between the infusions but on one of them it was three weeks due to blood count.
For me what I remember was that the cyclo did hit me much more than I thought it would, the Rituximab also makes me tired but not sure if that is because I am diabetic and they don't give me as much steroid infusion as non diabetics.
I would plan on being as wiped out with the Rituximab as you are with the cyclo and then anything else is a bonus .
Not sure if I've helped but hope so, I know there are a few people on here who have experience of both drugs and I'm sure they will respond.
Thanks Louise ,I,m just trying to prepare myself for the next onslaught of debility .I confess to being a little apprehensive re having all the treatment in close proximity but do trust the consultant .Be sure my bed is inviting and ready as thats all I seem to be doing at present .Once again thanks .
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