Rituximab and Chills: What Users Say

• dug...
• February 19, 2020

Rituxan (rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I feel for Kid in his comments, I too have severe itching of the skin and have been on Rituxan for almost ten years. I am also always cold and feel like my skin is thinning. I told my rummy, but nothing has been done yet."

• 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."

• Tum...
• December 22, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "It does seem to improve the pains in the joints, but not that much in my lower back. My biggest issue with Mabthera is the side effects! The chills are so uncomfortable, it's unbearable! I can't stand feeling cold right into the bones! I don't know what to do 'cause I can't even work because I get so, so cold while I sweat!"

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2014

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "Finished my first round of Rituxan for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Premeds: Tylenol, Zyrtec, and Ativan. About 5 minutes after they started the infusion, I experienced heaviness on my chest, chills, back pain, and vomiting. It was managed very quickly with steroids and Benadryl. About an hour later, it felt like a bowling ball was sitting on my chest. The nurse came rapidly to the rescue with Benadryl and Ativan. After that, I woke up when it was all over. I slept pretty much all day and night. Feeling flu-like symptoms and very thirsty. Experienced night sweats and had to change my pajamas in the middle of the night. The next day, I had flu-like symptoms without a fever. Make sure you drink a lot of water to flush your system."

• lwa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 25, 2019

"Diagnosed with MS in May 2018, began Rituxan infusion in July 2018. It’s off-label for MS as a disease-modifying therapy (DMT). I get an infusion every 6 months. My primary MS symptoms are difficulty walking and fatigue. I found that things haven’t gotten worse at least. My neurologist says Rituxan should help for my condition to be stable. Can’t really tell then if it’s working, but will keep with it because my side effects are not bad at all. They happen only during the infusion: sore throat, flushed cheeks, chills once, but then they disappear before the infusion ends. Fatigue for a day after, then back to work. I usually need 2 days off for my Rituxan treatment."

• Wai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2022

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "Had first round yesterday. Midway, had a reaction of extreme chills and shakes. Benadryl and reduced drip to counter. I should have waited longer after treatment to walk. Got just outside building and dropped like a rock. Spent next eight hours in E. All my fault. Have another scheduled in one week. Will take snacks along and wait longer after treatment to become ambulatory."

• hat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 21, 2012

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "I had chills, shakes, and low blood pressure at my first infusion. Subsequent infusions were easier, but still difficult. I think it's 8 out of 10 due to side effects, and I know it works well for many people. Not for all, though."