Rituximab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Hea...
• May 19, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Yesterday - 5th course Rituximab infusions. 2016, last 18 months ago, I thought I was in remission. Despite a complete removal of processed foods and a very healthy diet and exercise 'plan' (self-motivated), I had a big flare-up. I have refused Methotrexate for 2.5 years, having tried for 3 years. I'm happier and healthier. The first ever infusion was stopped due to an allergic reaction in the throat, mouth, and rash on the face and chest. But Piriton was given, and the infusion continued. Piriton is now given to everyone now (UK Chester), before infusion, and advice to take to combat further reactions: rash, sore throat, etc., for 3 days after. This works. I feel washed out, headache 3-6 days, steroid shakes, lack of sleep, flushes, but no ill effects between courses, 7 months apart."

• Dil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had to go off of Enbrel and go on Rituxan because I had developed a melanoma. They felt that the Rituxan was less likely to cause a repeat of the melanoma than any of the other biologics. It actually took two months for it to begin to work. Once it began working, though, it started quickly. I still have to take a low dose of prednisone every day and some pain medicine, but for the most part it is much more effective. Have only had the two original infusions, so I can't say what it will do long term. I had a slight reaction during the infusion, but they slowed it down and increased the Benadryl, and everything was fine. I had to pay $3,000 of the cost of the two infusions since my insurance (Tricare) will not discount."

• RAf...
• April 12, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "The steroid push with the first dose gave me a whirlwind of energy. I am using it to help CIPD - a dying nerve disease. My body started attacking my nerves and I now have fast-moving, dense neuropathy in my feet, legs, hands, and forearms. Mayo Clinic decided that this would be a good treatment since I suffer from RA as well. I take methotrexate once weekly with the Rituxan. The crash came 3 days later, and I felt the effects of the chemo on my body hard. I threw up a few times, felt like the worst hangover ever for the rest of the week (had infusion Tuesday, now is Sunday). I am still fighting nausea. I really, really liked the steroid energy a lot. Now my joints and bones are screaming narcotics. Sleep is not very good for me yet. It's only been 6 days, though."

• Luk...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 15, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis as well as vasculitis when I was 5. I'm 38 now and still move remarkably well. I've had my ups and downs through the years, but these disease-modifying drugs are miracles. I've been on Rituxan for 4 years now. My infusions do take longer than usual since I do experience a cold sweat trembling reaction if the medicine is stepped up too fast. Actually, I find the pretreatment meds more difficult than the Rituxan. The Benadryl puts me to sleep for most of it, however, the Medrol makes me bounce off the walls later in the evening. Usually, by the next day, all is well. I can live 8 months to a year virtually arthritis-free."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2022

Rituxan (rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had the 2 doses, and it didn't work at all for me. It's been 3 weeks since the last one, and no improvement at all. I'm really sad, I was hoping for relief. My fingers, toes, shoulders, knees, and ankles are all still a mess."

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I'm still waiting for this drug to really kick in, had infusions September 2015, not yet as well as I was on Enbrel, but had to change due to new rheumo team. Not impressed really-lots of infections, got to the point of wheelchair use in December, previous to Sept never required a stick. Very slowly starting to regain life-possibly am near 40% of the real me. I'm not at work, not driving, am worried for my job. It's been 19 weeks since the treatment, and I want my life back."

• Ber...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2018

For Immune Thrombocytopenia "Treated for ITP with a high dose of dexamethasone short burst and then 120 mg of prednisone daily for months...platelet counts varied from 9,000 to 60,000, and the side effects of prednisone became unacceptable. Then received rituximab weekly for 4 weeks (4 doses), except for the first initial dose, which caused intense itching (treated with Benadryl and slowing the infusion rate), the treatment was relatively benign. Nineteen months later, my platelets have stabilized at 141,000 (low normal). This treatment is definitely worth a try, with (at least for me) a much better side effect profile than steroids."

• Sis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 10, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is for my rheumatoid vasculitis. This first dose caused a reaction, but the staff was right on the first indication, adjusted the drip, and we continued. It took around 7 hours. The Benadryl made me fall asleep. The second one, two weeks later, went without incident, about 4 hours. Five months later, I have been able to reduce my prednisone intake without a flare-up of RA, and the nerve pain from the vasculitis has remarkably dwindled from lasting and unbearable to very manageable. It doesn't reverse damage, but my sed rate is around 11 (from 30), and if I didn't have to worry so much about the ghastly cost of this med, at this point I have to say it's been most amazing. There is financial help available, I think."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 10, 2021

Rituxan (rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been receiving infusions for a few years and am very pleased with my results. I have 2 infusions every four months, 15 days apart, reduced from originally every six months. The speed that it takes to get into my system required a shorter space of time between sessions. The only side effect I have is not sleeping the night after the infusion. I know it's working as I can feel when I am nearing the end of the medicine. It has slowed the effects like swelling in my hands and feet, my knees hurting, and shoulder pain."

• Lin...
• January 15, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had my first infusion on 12/21/15 and the second on 12/31/16. To date, I have seen no improvement in pain. The only side effect from the first infusion was a severe headache and tiredness for 2-3 days. I have not been so fortunate with the second. I have no energy or appetite and feel terrible. I am shaky and dizzy, and joint pain is horrible. I was on Remicade and Humira for years without complication. Not sure this is worth it or if it is going to work for me. Still hopeful."

• TLB...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 4, 2024

Rituxan (rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Rituxan has definitely helped my RA. I have had many side effects. Developed Specific Antibody Deficiency from taking Rituxan. I react to it if it's given too fast; itchy throat, cough, itchy face, red face. I always feel sort of 'flu-like' for several days after my infusion. Once I am past all the side effects, it really does make me feel better."

• Ram...
• February 3, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I suffer from pulmonary fibrosis and acquired hemophilia as well as RA. Rituximab has almost completely knocked out RA and has assisted the other two. I don't take methotrexate, but 10 mg of prednisolone per day. Interestingly, I had a sweating disorder pre-infusions, but the drug seems to help alleviate. I started with four infusions a week apart, which became ineffective after six months (Factor 8 levels dropped and RA flared), and my latest dose was given over two infusions at a different hospital six months ago and hasn't yet become ineffective (I am being primed for further infusions). I had absolutely no problems during or after infusions."

• Mic...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 22, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was 46 when I was diagnosed with RA, and my health plummeted. In 3 years, I was in a wheelchair. I tried all the major RA drugs with little or no effect. When I finally received my first infusion, I was up and walking within 3 days. Rituxan has saved my life. I get an infusion every 6 months and feel like anyone else my age."

• Nee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2019

Rituxan (rituximab) for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "I had my first treatment two days ago for NHL, and other than flu-like symptoms once or twice a day, I feel good for at least 6 hours, and then I will take Motrin and feel good another 6 hours. I feel great in the morning and go downhill in the afternoon. What's odd is that my hip and leg pain on my left side is going away. I don't know if Rituxan can work that fast, but I feel better already. I have the infusion once a week, so we'll see how I continue to do. But so far, I'm only missing one day a week of work, and that's my infusion day. The next day is a little tough from feeling so tired, but then I feel back to my old self for a few hours."

• Jak...
• April 26, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Had 1st infusion of rituximab and experienced tingling in and around my mouth, the white of my eyes turned blood red. Later that day, I had palpitations and shortness of breath. The next morning, I had nausea and severe headaches. By lunchtime, I was so cold I was shivering, despite hot water bottles, and going to bed did not get warm until the early hours of the next day, then I started with a temperature. I have rheumatoid arthritis affecting most joints, the joint pain increased further. It's been 3 weeks since my 1st infusion, my gut instinct is not to have the 2nd. I'm still enduring the side effects daily, however, not as severe as at first."

• Hel...
• October 13, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had my first rituximab infusion treatment a year ago and think it worked well. But I've felt symptoms coming back for a while now, but after a year, I just had my second treatment. I'm in tomo for my second infusion and hope to God it works because I'm in a bad way, and my pain in my wrist is at the worst I've known them to be! Tiredness never really ever gone for long, but fingers crossed! I feel I should have had it months ago, but what do I know... I'm from Nottingham, England."

• Jus...
• November 16, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Rituxan therapy since January of 2009. My first infusion included 8+ hours in that chair with immediate shortness of breath. My doctor and the RN stayed with me as they put me on oxygen immediately. A few minutes later, it was as if it hadn't occurred. Suffice to say, it was a long day. Went back 2 weeks later for my second round and no problems at all. I was troubled with insomnia the 2 days after. The RN asked the doctor to lower the dose of saline in the infusion and increase the dose of Benadryl in the infusion. Worked like a charm! So now, 8 years later, I have been receiving Rituxan therapy approximately twice a year with no problems. My RA has not progressed. Just wondering if it is time for a change or if it's not broken..."

• aza...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 5, 2024

Rituxan (rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am diagnosed with both RA and LUPUS and am taking medication for 7+ years (two infusions every 4 months). Medication avoided any visible joint deformations and keeps joint swelling in control. On the LUPUS side, since Rituxan, my organs are very thankful and autoimmune is not able to do any significant damage to any of the organs ... and how I know it ... I was pretty sick for years before Rituxan. Nothing is free though, there are a few side effects which I am able to deal with easily, but as I age and the longer I take this medication, fatigue lasts longer and longer after each infusion. I simply stay in bed longer. I plan on taking the Rituxan as long as my body can deal with the fatigue."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2022

Rituxan (rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had my first infusion of Rituxan yesterday. I had RA for 6 years and have never gotten rid of my pain after trying 7 other medications. Had some relief but not enough. My doctor premedicated me with Benadryl, Tylenol, and IV Solumedrol. I started to itch, then burn like anything with pain. It went down the back of my sinuses to my throat and down my esophagus very quickly. This sounds crazy, but she said it was a gastrointestinal side effect and gave me IV Pepcid. It worked. I felt better in 2 minutes and all the symptoms were gone in 20 minutes and never returned. I will need Pepcid during every IV. It is not considered a reaction, but a side effect. Hope this helps someone. I seen others with these symptoms and the doctor gave up on the med. I will add to this review in 6 months and let you know how it worked. Today I feel better with some less pain but not sure if it is the med or the IV steroids that are doing this. Take care and feel better, everyone."

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "First infusion gave me horrendous anxiety with bad OCD-type symptoms. My GP told me it was from rituximab. My rheum doc says how could my GP know, as she is the expert. Skip forward a year, second go at rituximab, the very same build-up to horrendous anxiety, OCD-type symptoms. Oh yeah, thought I was near going to end up in the crisis mental health unit. Thanks, rheum doc."

• Eva...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy, MCTD, and SLE. I started Rituxan at the end of December 2015 after Enbrel lost efficacy. I am also on MTX and Plaquenil. My rheum explained that Rituxan works in a different manner from the TNF inhibitors, and because of this, it takes longer to work. While I began noticing Enbrel's efficacy within 2 weeks and was in remission by 3 months, with Rituxan, I didn't even notice any difference until about 10 weeks in. I have slowly improved, but I am not in remission. Prior to Rituxan, most of my joints were painful; after 14 weeks, I am down to about 15. My daily pain level has gone from about an 8 to 4 or 5. My rheum said sometimes patients will see a better response after dose #4. I hope for remission. I will redose in 6 months following the RA guidelines."

• Eey...
• July 8, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA in 1998 and have been on most of the drugs available. Enbrel worked great for 6 years, then it just stopped. Since then, nothing has worked. I had my first infusion of Rituxan 3 weeks ago, and we had to stop the infusion due to itching in the ears and throat, pushed more steroids, and waited about an hour before restarting with a slower and diluted drip. Had the 2nd infusion last week with no reaction during the infusion. I take methotrexate by injection as well and have noticed no new side effects. Just fatigued for 4/5 days after infusions and always the day after methotrexate. The doctor said to give it 3 to 6 months to begin working. So I will wait with lots of hope!"

• Anonymous
• July 15, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had been taking Rituxan, which worked great. My insurance paid for some, and the maker of Rituxan paid the rest, it was great, but when I turned 65 years old, Medicare was the only one paying, and I had to come up with $592.00, which was high for me because I'm retired and I make less money. So I stopped taking it. That was the biggest mistake I made. I could not function. R.A. is not only about the pain, I had no strength in my hands. I could bathe, comb my hair, and get dressed by myself. I tried so many different meds, they didn't work. I then decided I needed to find a way to pay for the medication, so I went back to taking Rituxan. So far, it's a lot better than I have been, but I still have my four weeks isn't up, so I'm hopeful."

• joc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 23, 2024

Rituxan (rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I used it very successfully following Mabthera and was in remission for 2 years after my last treatment. I then had a big flare-up and have had the two infusions but still suffering with pain. Hoping the Rituxan will kick in soon. It's been 9 weeks since the first infusion. If it works like before, it's fantastic as it lasts a long time, and I didn't really have any side effects. Just wish it wasn't so expensive as insurance doesn't cover me, so it's a huge expense."

• Ste...
• November 17, 2015

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "I was diagnosed with CLL in 2009. My WBC (White Blood Cell Count) when diagnosed was 11k. By 2013, my WBC was 50k. In 2015, my rate of increase jumped, and a CAT scan confirmed that deeper lymph nodes had grown 50% in size, so my oncologist wanted to start chemo right away. I had no other symptoms associated with the CLL other than increasing WBC. In October, I started treatment with a 'cocktail' of Rituximab and Bendamustine. My WBC at the start of treatment was 120k. At the end of the first month (prior to my second chemo session), my blood tests came back with totally normal numbers! My WBC was 7k! It was as if I did not have CLL. My blood was clean! Few side effects (constipation/heartburn) & about a 20% reduction in energy."