Rituximab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Mam...
• 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 bedridden 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 the drug company can assist."

• Gon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2016

For Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis "Rituximab is a great success for me, given me back my health. No side effects whatsoever during or since infusions. My only symptom of WG/GPA was aggressively recurring subglottic stenosis. Rituximab brought it under control within 12 weeks. I'm now symptom-free & no longer need tracheal dilation surgery every 3 months. I had my first 1 gram infusion 13 months ago & 1g on day 14. I repeated the same doses of Rituximab at 12 months. Immunosuppression has not caused any ill effects. I take low-dose antibiotic cotrimoxazole continuously, (& probiotic for gut health). I've had no infections. I initially took 20 mg prednisone tapered to 0 over 8 weeks, no steroids since. Rituximab spared me from other aggressive meds. Infusions are easy for me. ☺"

• dug...
• February 19, 2020

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."

• 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."

• HrT...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 29, 2024

Rituximab "First dose of Truxima in early May 2024, followed by a 2nd dose 2 weeks later for Dermatomyositis. After 10 weeks from my first dose, I started to feel relief. Muscle inflammation pain and stiffness receded, energy level increased, and mood improved. (No side effects) Started to feel symptoms creep back in early November, so 5 months of relief! Looking forward to my 2nd round of Truxima in early December. I am happy with the results after taking a number of drugs over the past 10 years. I am also on IVIG treatment on a monthly basis."

• Chr...
• January 1, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had my first Rituxan infusion yesterday. I have HMCRG + autoantibody polymyositis and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. I tested positive for PM in 2015 with a positive muscle biopsy/autoantibodies, with subsequent diagnosis of RA in 2018. History of prednisone, methotrexate, plasmapheresis, and IVIG. Worsening symptoms have led to Rituxan infusions. I experienced throat pain/itching along with itching of my ears and then scalp itching. My blood pressure and heart rate went up during the night last night, requiring me to take a dose of a beta blocker to get them down, otherwise, I tolerated the infusion fairly well. Scheduled for the second dose in two weeks. Hoping to see relief soon and get off of or at least weaned down on prednisone."

• Ann...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2024

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."

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I just finished my first round of treatments with rituximab. After the first round, my condition seemed to worsen. I dreaded going to bed at night because of the pain I know the night will bring. I could barely walk, lost function of my hands/wrists, couldn’t raise my arms, and my neck movement was limited. After my second round, which was 6 days ago, I’ve seen slight improvements. Pain, swelling, and stiffness have seemed to move to different joints. Still hopeful it will work. I have tried Enbrel, Cimzia, and Xeljanz, which brought relief, just not lasting. I am seriously considering taking a leave of absence from my job to save my job."

• Sha...
• March 14, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Had two infusions of rituximab in January 2016. Some relief was on Enbrel for 9 years. It was fantastic, but stopped working. Unfortunately, I have now got atrial fibrillation from rituximab. Don't know where to go from here. Have had RH since childhood."

• Anonymous
• June 17, 2011

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "My husband had been treated with rituximab for CLL. He has had some scary reactions while receiving the infusion, like uncontrollable shaking, and the last time his blood pressure dropped dangerously low as well. He was taken off and given IVs to bring his blood pressure up, sent home, and the next morning he completed the infusion and then his chemotherapy. This time he also experienced dizziness. His condition is deteriorating in other ways, such as severe weight loss. I read the severe side effects of this drug for the first time today and see him experiencing almost all of them. I think we will try to find an alternative. Scary for people with these reactions."

• Zoo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 29, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Have had RA for 33 years. The doctors I have seen are helpful, giving various drugs over the years to combat pain. Received my first Rituxan infusion in 2015. The pain relief was amazing. Was also taking prednisone (I love steroids) and methotrexate. Had to wean off prednisone (one of the hardest things to do) in 2018 and have not had another Rituxan infusion since mid-2019. I dropped 25 lbs, am eating extremely healthy, remain on methotrexate every 9 days, and feel blessed as I have no swelling."

• 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!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Rituxan was prescribed for my RA about 8-10 years ago and allowed me to continue working full time, putting the max away for retirement. Some fatigue occasionally, but no joint pain. After retirement, the combination of allergy to a new huge Maine Coon cat causing chronic congestion and the suppression of my autoimmune system by years of Rituxan led to repeated chest, ear, and sinus infections. After many tests, allergy shots, and several consultations with specialists, the Rituxan was discontinued. Now (2 years later) no more infections, but the RA is up and raging again. New hand and finger damage, as well as bunions and flares on toes that had never occurred before. My doctor is waiting for a fifth Simponi infusion in 2-3 weeks before moving on to another drug. Simponi has done nothing. What is there for me to take at this point?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2016

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "I had three treatments of bendamustine and rituximab for indolent follicular lymphoma. It seemed to work well on the lymphoma, which has not completely gone, but after the third treatment, I developed shortness of breath. It took doctors a month to diagnose it as rituximab-induced lung disease (bronchiolitis obliterans). I am now permanently and severely disabled, unable to walk more than 10 feet, extreme difficulty in caring for myself. I am 55 with no other medical conditions, three months ago, I could run, ski, and enjoy life. This drug destroyed the quality of my life and created complications for fighting lymphoma. The doctors said it was safe. I was not told about the serious and potentially fatal side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2019

For Immune Thrombocytopenia "Had three courses of Rituxin. 1st course of 4 weeks failed. 2nd course gave me 16 months of remission. 3rd course yielded no results, so went on to Promacta. Promacta did nothing for me. Now, I take Nplate injections, which have worked for me for over a year now. I got ITP at 51 years old and am 55 now. I'm chronic and have fallen to zero counts and single digits several times when untreated. I also occasionally supplement with low doses of Dexamethasone."

• Sca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had a real fear of trying this but had no choice in the end as I could barely walk. I just had it yesterday and had no reaction to the meds. The nurses were wonderful - I had obs every 15 mins and felt really assured by the staff. Today I got up for the first time in five years; my feet hit the floor without me nearly passing out. I know it’s early days but I feel great today, a little flushed in my face but no other symptoms. So don’t avoid it out of fear, DO IT."

• ms ...
• January 26, 2013

For Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis "I was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. After a number of years, my kidneys failed. I was transplanted with my brother's kidney, we were a perfect match. Eight days later, a biopsy showed the FSGs present in the new kidney. Within a year, all my pre-operation symptoms were back. As a last-ditch effort, we tried Rituximab, and after five infusions, I began to go into remission. I have been symptom-free for nearly three years. I would highly recommend anyone in a similar situation to try this medicine. I truly feel better than ever and had zero side effects. The manufacturer has a program where they give it free to folks with subpar insurance like me. Although I did have to come up with a few thousand for the infusions, it was well worth it. Good luck."

• 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."

• GEE...
• August 22, 2014

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "This has been an AMAZING medicine for me. I've taken it alone (after pre-administration medicines: Pepcid and Solumedrol (steroid)) for several series (of 4 infusions each) the last 3-4 years. It has put me back into remission every time so far, especially knocking the WBC down into normal range from as high as 214k. No major side effects either. I can't sleep the night after my infusion (not tired and too 'hyped up'); also, I coughed a lot last time, but they slowed the drip down, and I was fine."

• Bra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "My mum has had two sets of infusion. The doctor consultant gave it a thumbs up and said this is the last resort, so we had no choice but to give it a try. After six months, when my mum eats her food, it is straight back up again. She says it gets stuck, and with that sputum, she then feels unwell for days and refuses to eat as she fears it will happen again. Anyone with similar side effects can you help and show us the right direction as the consultant hasn’t even rang us back as we booked a nurse and doctor callback. Not happy and worried so much."

• Jim...
• September 2, 2017

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "I started this treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, since my first treatment, my fatigue has become debilitating. I don't have enough energy to do any of the things I normally do. I had 4 treatments in May, then 4 more infusions in August. The fatigue lingers like a fog that will not lift. My sleep pattern has changed. I wake up 3 to 5 hours after going to sleep feeling wide awake. I cannot stay in bed, though I am still sleepy. I have dreams that are so realistic that I participate in them or act them out. My attention span is shot. I can't concentrate on what I am trying to do and end up jumping from one thing to another."

• Jil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 6, 2024

For Immune Thrombocytopenia "I have had ITP since 2006. After trying various meds, my Dr. suggested Rituxan. I was hesitant but finally agreed. I had 6 weekly infusions. I had a little trouble with the first infusion that had to be slowed down. The next 5 infusions went smoothly. I had a fungus on my big toenail. My doctor warned me it would get much worse. He was right, I had to have the toenail removed. But I got a 4.5-year remission. I was treated again and got a 3.5-year remission. Little to no side effects. I had it done again in 2016. At that time, I took a break. I didn't even monitor my counts. No bleeding until 2021. I had bleeding from my mouth and went to the hospital, platelets 2k. They stabilized me with dexamethasone and IVIG. Since it was COVID time, I did not follow up with my doctor. Now we are in 2024. I again had bleeding from my mouth and went to the hospital. Same treatment. Now 2.5 weeks after hospital release, my platelets are down to 17. So it looks like I will be using it again after dex."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Never felt so much in pain after 2 infusions of rituximab. Had all the treatments previously, and Enbrel was the best but stopped being effective. I’m now 6 weeks in, and my ESR has quadrupled, my CRP levels have doubled. I’m now waking every morning in severe pain with joints. Always been active but getting weaker. Consultant thinks I may have contracted COVID and not known, but I’m not so sure. Wish right now I hadn’t touched this drug as I’ve gone backwards. I know I am only 6 weeks in, but I’m afraid this will not now improve. Now got to have further steroids to try and help me. Has anyone else had a similar outcome?"

• 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."