Rituximab does anyone know the regime for this drug and what about side effects???

[DevonLottie]

Hi Scot,

If you type in Rituximab to the search you'll find many of your questions have been answered before. I've had two cycles of rituximab (each cycle consists of two infusions two weeks apart). The infusion takes all day although the first one is slower than the rest to check for no adverse reactions. I think the normal regime is to be given a course every six months for two years although this does differ according to where you are treated. I've had no side effects but the results have been fantastic for me. Good luck.

[Jean9618]

Dear Scott. I've had three courses of Rituximab and have had no adverse reaction. Take a radio or Ipod because it takes hours, but to be honest I generally go to sleep because the antihistamine they give you will make you drowsy. I don't really feel any benefit for about 2 months after treatment, but it's been good for me too. Good luck!

[lisa-ranyell Vasculitis UK Volunteer]

Hi Scott, I have had a few doses of Rituximab now and my regime is same as above, two doses two weeks apart, repeated every 6 months. Be prepared for a long day when you go, particularly the first time, as they also give you a steroid infusion before they start. Best not to take prednisolone on the infusion morning as they give you 100 mg! Most other meds are fine to take on day although you might want to check with them beforehand if you are on BP meds as the treatment quite commonly lowers blood pressure. I usually feel fine straight after but completely groggy the following day, usually fine within a couple of days though. The results for me have been amazing, getting me off steroids within a year.

Hope you get the same results, good luck.

[Hidden]

Thanks for answer to my question,sorry fairly new to site so just finding my way about it.

[JimL]

Hi Scott,

As it is going to be a long day (about 6 hours) do check if the hospital will provide lunch or take you're own

[Hidden]

Hi Scot1. Rituximab has been my weapon of choice for almost 5 years now and is my saviour. I've had a total of about 15 infusions in that time but am now just on an annual maintenance dose. I've never been given steroids before but am usually given hydro-cortisone. The comments about it being a long day and fatigue are echoed by me too and don't expect to feel any improvement immediately. It may appear to be working on paper (via blood tests) in a week or two but it can be a few months before you may feel the real benefit. The great thing about this drug is that most people tolerate it perfectly and it has no toxic (or even mild) side effects although the long term use hasn't been truly studied yet.

Best and healthy wishes.

[HiveMind]

I am on Methotrexate. How and why does someone receive Rituximab instead of the other types of immunosuppressants? Is it because they are not responding to the other medications?

[mumu]

i had a course of rituximab about 6 years ago, they told me it was a new treatment for vasculitus in experimental stages so i was absolutely terrified. i am here today and i can say it has saved my life, other patients at the time just had the chemo and had to go back and have more treatment or stays in hospital. go for it and dont be frightened and try not to look at the side effects