Rituximab Infusion

kimmywilks
kimmywilks Member Posts: 4
edited 24. Nov 2012, 16:48 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone

I haven't been on this site for a couple of years but have decided to come back.
Having failed Humira injections, I am due for my first Rituximab infusion in a couple of weeks. I must admit I've been looking on the internet regarding this and have scared myself silly reading about the serious side effects and how some of them can be fatal. My rheumy nurse has explained quite a lot to me but I was wondering if anyone could give me their views if you have had this infusion and what to expect. I've been told to come to the hospital for the whole day.
Good to be back on here, hope to make some friends along the way.

Thanks
Kim

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there, Kim, and welcome back.

    I have a golden rule and that is never to google anything I have to take or do. It's a scary place out there and not all the info is accurate: in fact some of it is just plain wrong.

    I've never done the anti-tnfs myself but, if you look lower down this page, you'll find a thread entitled simply 'rituximab' by Sharon 123 and people have made some very useful contributions. I hope you'll find them helpful.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Kim and welcome back.

    I am on Rituximab and as Sticky says, there have been some other Rituximab threads very recently. My understanding is that Rituximab is very much becoming the "standard" drug after failure on any one of the anti-tnfs and I am sure that, if the scary side effects were a common occurrence, that wouldn't be the case.

    It is a long infusion - 6 - 8 hours typically, and can be longer for the first one because they infuse it very slowly, so when they say you will be there all day, they really do mean it!

    If the other threads don't answer your questions and you have specific queries, please don't hesitate to ask, either on this thread or by PM and I'll be happy to help if I can.

    There are a few others on Rituximab here so hopefully you will get some more replies too.

    Really hope it goes well and that it works for you.

    Tilly xxx
  • emmared
    emmared Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I get my first on wed and I'm like you read too much on flippin Internet :(
    Been looking on here for advice and what people think etc good luck in a couple of weeks Hun x
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good luck on weds with your first infusion emmared!

    Please do post back when you can to let us know how it went. There aren't many of us on Rituximab here and I, for one, really value the feedback.

    Will be thinking of you.

    Tillyxxx
  • lulubell69
    lulubell69 Member Posts: 110
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Kim
    After humira stopped working a couple off years ago, I was given a rituximab infusion in hospital overnight. I didn't have any side effects but the treatment failed to work for my RA.
    Hope you have more success than I did.

    Good luck
    Les
  • purplelaces
    purplelaces Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    How did the infusions go? I know everyone has different reactions to it but I have been very fortunate and it has greatly improved my arthritis. I had my first infusion around 3 years ago and I recently had my 3rd course which is showing signs again of reducing the inflammation. I hope it works as well for you as it has done for me,

    the only side effect I get is during the infusion my heart rate rate increases and blood pressure rises but they always monitor it and I never feel scared, they just slow down the infusion rate.

    Emma

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