Hello
I’ve just finished my second dose of rituximab treatment and am so exhausted, have a cough and occasional fast heart beat but all I want to do is lie down. I wonder how long it will last. My first dose I felt better after about a week so am wondering how long this second one would take.
hi sorry you are feeling poorly.
Do you have a chest infection? You may not always have a raised temperature. Can you give your consultant a ring especially as Easter is coming up. Might be worth seeing GP to exclude and chest infection.
RItuximab is a slow burner and can take months until you get the full effects. Are you on any other medication for Vasculitis?
I’m sure others will come and offer advice/ support. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi
I just finished antibiotics so I don’t think I have any infection. I don’t have vascularise I have scleroderma autoimmune condition.
Hi, I am being treated with Rituximab for my Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) also. I had my first 2 doses, end of January, beginning of February. I also was experiencing a very fast heartbeat, even at rest. I have my second round of doses coming at the end of July. I am on a constant low dose of Septra, to take daily, forever, to treat and keep away PCP pneumonia. My coughing and shortness of breath has subsided, since I started the antibiotic. I am now experiencing a lot of nerve pain, and strange bruise like feelings in my muscles at times. I don't know what's causing these things.
I hope you feel better soon!
The side effect is flu and fatigue and lasts for 5 to 7 days. Everyone is different when they recover. I suggest rest when your body tells you to.
It took me 2 to 3 days to recover after my 2nd infusion but everyone is different. Probably best to assume a weeks recovery. Drink loads of water and get plenty of rest. I laid on the sofa and read, did nothing movement wise at all so probably why I recovered quite quickly
Thanks for this. I am trying to do the same but I have an autistic daughter to take care of and my son is doing his best to help me out. I will rest as much as I can to recover.
Hi Anniw. After being on Rituximab for 4 years what you are describing is about normal for me. I get coughs and a sore chest but apart from Covid it has gone and my bloods have said no inflammation I.e. it’s the Rituximab going to work. Also there is the fatigue, for me that kicks in after a week then again at about 12-14 weeks after infusion. I currently have had itchy skin for 4 weeks and it’s driving me barmy. II feel absolutely great apart from that, as I sit here typing this I am sat in the waiting room for my Consultant hoping my itching is nothing serious. You will see that being on Rituximab can throw several different types of Curve Ball. Try not to worry with me the things I have mentioned last about a week, if it goes on for say 2 weeks that’s when I would make contact with the Meds. Nick.
Hi Nick
Thanks for the heads up. It’s good to know that things may appear and how to handle them if they do.
I’ve had three Rituximab doses and have felt absolutely fine after all of them, in fact went out mountain biking after the last one. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat, keep moving as soon as you can. Also from a mental perspective think of all the benefits this treatment is hopefully doing for you. It’s been a huge plus for me personally and hope you’ll also feel better long term. Keep positive, keep active !
Thanks for the response. This is good news to hear. Will look forward to the benefits.
I was the lucky one. I had not side affects apart from low blood pressure during one infusion. I ad a low resting heart rate to start with.
Oh wow. I could have written this, Anniw! Second dose 3 weeks ago and I’m absolutely on my knees with exhaustion. Now when I had my first dose I was on 15mcg of Prednisolone a day and now on 5mcg since January so wondered if that might be it. Seeing my rheumatologist next week so will be asking. Hope you feel better soon!
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