i have been offered to have ritix im worried... - Vasculitis UK
i have been offered to have ritix im worried does any one have any feed back on this
Hi Tracey
Lots of us here have had Rituximab (and in almost every case it's been a saviour and a side-effect free experience). As well as the information given on the Vaculistis UK website and within the Routemap there, you may want to try the search facility at the top right of this page. Typing in Rituximab will bring up a number of threads which will hopefully answer many of your concerns.
You'll probably discover that for most 'users' the worst you'll experience is boredom and maybe a little fatigue afterwards. On rare occasions it's not tolerated but as long as it's given according to the correct protocol (whereby the dose is increased over a period of a few hours) then it's a very simple infusion.
Something to bear in mind is that it doesn't work instantly. Don't be surprised if you don't feel any benefit for a few weeks irrespective of what ANCA or other blood markers show. I'd also ensure that the hospital treating you are using the latest treatment programme (developed at Addenbrookes in Cambridge) i.e. usually 2 doses given a fortnight or so apart then a further dose every 6 months for two years, irrespective of B-cell count. The old regime of 'dose then wait and see' is seen as an outdated and far less effective treatment. If your consultant is in any doubt over this then get them to contact Dr David Jayne at the Vasculitis Clinic at Addenbrookes.
If you have any specific questions about the treatment then please feel free to post them here or contact me privately.
Healthy wishes.
Hi Tracey, I think Martin has said it all! I'd just like to add that if you are being offered the treatment without a fight for it you are lucky. It took me a year to get the funding from the pct down here in Devon so I'm really pleased if others are getting it more easily... it has definitely had a really good effect for many of us with vasculitis.
Hi Tracey,
There is little more for me to add, Martin and DevonLottie have covered everything. I would just emphasise that Martin was not joking a out being bored, an infusion takes about six hours, so do take plenty or reading material, crossword puzzles etc.
Jim
I do not know about anyone else, but I am on Methotrexate tablets once a week just to keep my immune system slightly suppressed.
I do not know about anyone else, but I am on Methotrexate tablets once a week just to keep my immune system slightly suppressed.
