Rituximab and Tiredness: What Users Say

• She...
• April 19, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am waiting to get final approval for this drug. I spoke to a lady who has been on it for 4 years, and she said that it takes a few days to get over an infusion, but it's just a headache and tiredness. She says this drug has given her life back, so a small price to pay. Can't wait to get this drug!"

• 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."

• 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."

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

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."

• 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."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am very grateful this site exists, and a search for information during my first infusion indicated the scratchy throat and ears I was experiencing were reported by other patients. I called my nurse and was given Benadryl/prednisone, and the drip was slowed. The whole infusion from 9 AM-4 PM resulted in some tiredness the day after but no hand or left hip pain. I had been off Orencia for 10 weeks, got a shingles vaccine, and was on MTX self-inject. I had previously been on Humira for 10 years and developed an itchy chest rash. I had a false positive test for lupus and had to discontinue. I work full-time as a speech pathologist and lead an active lifestyle. Thanks again, fellow posters, and your experience reports are vital for patients!"

• Mas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2019

For Follicular Lymphoma "After the first month, once every week. Now every other month. Total of 7 infusions so far. This month I am weak, muscle pains, stomach issues, memory not so good, forgetful, clumsy, dropping stuff for no reason. No energy, or I will wake and forget about being sick, and I tire easily. Tumor in mesentery has shrunk from 1.6 to 0.9. I guess it is working. Not fun though."

• Mas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2019

For Follicular Lymphoma "After the first month, once every week. Now every other month. Total of 7 infusions so far. This month I am weak, muscle pains, stomach issues, memory not so good, forgetful, clumsy, dropping stuff for no reason. No energy, or I will wake and forget about being sick, and I tire easily. Tumor in mesentery has shrunk from 1.6 to 0.9. I guess it is working. Not fun though."

• Sun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 3, 2024

Rituximab for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "Really hurts doing injections in lower arm. After last one, I was really tired for about 2 weeks. Been taking injections every 2 months but changed something before last one. Maybe the manufacturer. Also, heart problem showed up and had to have a stent about 2 months later. Don't know if the drug had anything to do with that or not."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After each of my rituxan infusion, I feel nauseated, extremely tired, and have a headache for anywhere from 5 days to a week. Is that normal? Works great for RA, though, so definitely worth it!"