Rituximab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

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

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had to go off of Embrel 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."

• Heath...
• May 19, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Yesterday- 5th course Rituximab Infusions.2016 Last 18months 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 2.5yrs having tried for 3yrs. I'm happier +healthier. The 1st ever infusion was stopped due to allergic reaction in throat, mouth + rash face+chest. But, Piriton was given +infusion continued. Piriton is now given to everyone now(UK chester), before infusion +advise to take to combat further reactions rash, sore throat etc for 3 days after. This works. I feel washed out,headache3-6days.steroid shakes, lack of sleep, flushes but no ill effects between courses 7months apart."

• SMart
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Rituxan has worked well for me. It worked where TNF drugs failed. No flares in my joints and no sign of additional damage to my corneas. This is as close to remission that I have been in 21 years of RA."

• RAful...
• 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 feet, legs, hands, forearms. Mayo Clinic decided that this would be a good treatment since I suffer RA as well. I take methotrexate once weekly with the Rituxin. 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 Tues, 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 so."

• Luke...
• 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 to 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"

• Anne
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2024

Rituxan (rituximab) for Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis "I’ve been receiving Rituxan infusions for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) for almost four years. Induction started with one infusion per week for four weeks. Six months later, I was given two more infusions, two weeks apart. I was then switched to one maintenance infusion every six months. Labs showed that I was in remission after infusion #7. Currently, I receive one maintenance infusion every six months. I have had no side effects from Rituxan, and have not had a relapse of the GPA."

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

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Hi , I'm still waiting for this drug to really kick in, had infusions September 2015, not yet as well as I was on Embrel, 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."

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

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is for my rheumatoid vasculitus. 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 benedril 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."

• Ramsa...
• February 3, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I suffer from pulmonary fibrosis and acquired haemophilia as well as RA..Rituximab has almost completely knocked out RA and has assisted the other 2. I don't take methotrexate, but 10mg of prednisolene per day. Interestingly, I had sweating disorder pre infusions, but the drug seems to help alleviate. I started with 4 infusions a week apart, which became ineffective after 6 months (Factor 8 levels dropped and RA flared) and my latest dose was given over 2 infusions at a different hospital 6 months ago and hasn't yet become inneffective (am being primed for further infusions). I had absolutely no problems during or after infusions."

• Lindaje
• 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 affect from the first infusion was a severe headache and tiredness for 2-3 days. I have not been so fortunate with 2nd. 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."

• Jake
• April 26, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Had 1st infusion of rituximab & experienced tingling in & around mouth, white of eyes turned blood red. Later that day I had palpitations & shortness of breath. The next morning I had nausea & 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. Have rheumatoid arthritis affecting most joints, the joint pain increased further. Its 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 1st."

• Helen...
• 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 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 are at the worst I've known them to be! Tiredness never really ever gone for long but fingers crossed! I feel I should have it months ago but what do I know... I'm from Nottingham England"

• Mick
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 22, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was 46 when I was diagnosed with RA and my heath 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."

• JustM...
• 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 Dr 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 Dr 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..."

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

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

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

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy, MCTD & SLE. I started Rituxan at the end of December 2015 after Enbrel lost efficacy. I am also on MTX & 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."

• Shari
• 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 sections. 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 gets near. It has slowed the effects like swelling in my hands and feet, my knees hurting and shoulder pain."

• 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."

• 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 the expert.Skip forward a year second go at ritx 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"

• Neena
• 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 a 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 down hill 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,"

• Eeyore
• 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 infusion due to itching in ears and throat, pushed more steroids and waited about an hour before restarting with slower and diluted drip. Had 2nd infusion last week with no reaction during Infusion I take methotrexate by injection as well and have noticed no new side effects. Just fatigued for a 4/5 days after infusions and always the day after methotrexate. Dr 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 Rutuxin which work great. My insurance paid for some and the maker of rituxan paid the rest it was great,but when I turned 65 years old the Medicare was the only one paying and I had to come up with $592.00which was high for me cause I'm retired and I make less money. So I stop 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 bath comb my hair get dressed by myself. I tried so many different meds 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 hopful"

• 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."

• Mama...
• October 5, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Have had RA for just under 25 years. Developed rheumatoid vasculitis and over the past 4 years have been in so much pain, it's like my body completely gave up. Even bed ridden for 4 or so months. Finally started the rituxan a little over a year ago. On prednisone and methotrexate as well. I am curious to know if anyone else is taking the same amount as I am? I currently go in every 4 months and get 4 infusions in a row (weekly) each time. I don't sleep for 2-3 days after each infusion then crash a couple of days. Back pain and achiness for a couple of days. Having memory problems and balance issues. Other than that it has been a lifesaver, still some pain but vasculitis has improved. If you can't pay, see if drug company can assist."

• Steve...
• 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/heart-burn) & about a 20% reduction in energy."