Hi, my sister has churg Strauss and is about to go on to rituximab. What's others experience of the side effects on the first 2 infusions?

[Cloe]

We've planned to go away the weekend of her first infusion and wondering if we should cancel.

[SusanCh]

Hi I didn't have any problems with side effects of Rituximab despite being very poorly when I had Cyclo previously. I remember when I was about to have my first infusion way back in i2007, we had long standing tickets to see Mamma Mia the Musical, I didn't know whether to go and asked my Consultant. She said if you feel up to it, then go. I think maybe go for the weekend but try not to do too much. You usually have a big steroid infusion before the Rituximab infusion starts and I found that it gave me some extra energy the next day before wearing off. However everyone is different, that is just my experience.

[Cloe in reply to SusanCh]

Thank you Susan, that's very helpful.

[jaffa12]

Hi

I had 2 infusions of rituximab for WG last year, and apart from feeling abit more tired had no real side effects. That's just my experience though. All the best.

[BronteM]

The problem is that it differs from person to person! But the effects were far fewer (for me) than cyclophosphamide. The first one is probably the most likely to cause a problem as it takes the longest and may make your sister very tired....but looking back at some sketchy notes that I made, she should be fine, as long as you both recognise that she will need rest periods. Have a good time!

[BronteM]

Sorry, forgot to say, that I definitely felt better after the second infusion than the first.

[Cloe]

Thank you all very much for your replies. It's been extremely helpful!!

[Beth_CR2]

I have just finished my 4 infusions of Rituximab for MPA I found it to be very mild it did make me very tired but apart from that I was fine I even went back to work between my 3rd and 4th infusion (though I didn't work on the day of my fourth infusion) I actually found I had a stronger reaction to the antihistamine they gave me beforehand than the Rituximab. I think the first infusion is the worst (definitely the longest by far) but I wouldn't cancel your holiday just make sure it takes into account the fact your sister will be tired and need rest.