Rituximab

Has anyone had an allergic reaction to Rituximab 5 weeks after infusion

[Wrigglymonkey]

Not an allergic reaction but it was about that time (Feb this year after second Rituximab infusion on 30 Dec 2016) that my vasculitis markers started to drop and I'm now in remission. But my voice has now gone!

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

What do you mean an "allergic" reaction? Can you give more detail please.

[RichardE Volunteer]

Hi Catt. I've not had Rituximab myself but I've found a few papers that describe adverse reactions to it.

Generally, reactions seem to come on within 24 hours of the infusion and usually the first time you have it. That's why they tend to give you precautionary meds and may also slow down the infusion rate to mitigate any response.

However I have found reference to problems occurring up to 13 weeks after infusion, although these appear to be much less common. I've just seen your posts in the FB group and the flu like symptoms you describe, along with urticaria, ulcers and blisters, unfortunately sound similar to some of the reactions described. The article below describes these adverse events with the second one specifically referencing delayed responses.

I think I saw a post somewhere else that you were back in hospital, so I assume that your rheumatologists are well aware of what's happened. Have they come up with any ideas as to what's going on yet ?

All the best,

Richard.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

escholarship.org/uc/item/4n...

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Hi Richard. Only just seen this post from 4 months ago. The reaction I had to Rituximab was a delayed reaction. Presenting severe urticaria fatigue weakness. I was seen by prof Emery and given antihistamines and after 8 days it all settled. I'm due to go in for next round in 2 weeks so just hoping I don't react again. I will be having the similar drug truxima this time. Hope your keeping well too

Catt