Rituximab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

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

For Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis "Retuximab 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. Retuximab 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 Retuximab 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 20mg prednisone tapered to 0 over 8 weeks, no steroids since. Retuximab spared me from other aggressive meds. Infusions are easy for me. ☺"

• ChiChar
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2016

For Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis "I have had wegeners since April 2008. Medications of prednisone, cyclophosomide, and methotrexate were successful in slowing down the disease. However I still had flareups a two three times yr requiring hospitalization and the resumption of heavy doses prednisone till better, then had to taper back off. In June 2013 I again was back in hospital and in Sept 2013 I started on Rituxan getting 2 doses 2wks apart & again six months later. I only take 5 mg of prednisone a day and remain on methotrxate 20mg once per week. I have eliminated hospital visits & have enjoyed life much more. I am just finishing this month my 2 dose shots & now looking in 6 months reducing it to one dose every six months and reducing my methotreate to 15 mg .Side effects minor"

• Anxio...
• 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 arms, and my neck movement was limited. After my second round, which has been 6 days ago, I’ve seen slight improvements. Pain, swelling and stiffness has 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."

• TumiKay
• 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 cos I can't even work because I get so so cold while I sweat!"

• 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."

• Sharn...
• 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 Fibrulation from Rituximab, don' know where to go from here. Have had Rh since childhood."

• dugly
• 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 feels like my skin is thinning, told my rummy but nothing done yet."

• Marig...
• 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?"

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

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Have had RA for 33 years. The drs 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 steriods) 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 methotreaxate every 9 days and feel blessed as I have no swelling."

• 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."

• Andy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 4, 2024

Rituxan (rituximab) for Follicular Lymphoma "Rituxan with Bendamustine put me back into remission. Prior to treatment, I had a host of B symptoms. They disappeared following the first round of treatment. I'm currently on maintenance doses of IV Rituxan, bimonthly."

• 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 work for me over a year now. I got ITP at 51 years old and am 55 now. I'm chronic, and will and have fallen to zero counts, and single digits several times when untreated. I also occasionally supplement with low doses of Dexamethizone."

• 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 oblivitans). 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."

• Lisa
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2022

Rituxan (rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had my first infusion of Rituxan yesterday. I had RA for 6 years and have never gotten rid of my pain after trying 7 other medications. Had some relief but not enough, My doctor PREMEDICATED me with benadryl, tylenol and IV solumedrol. I started to itch then burn like anything with pain. It went down the back of my sinuses to my throat and down my esphogus very quickly. This sounds crazy, but she said it was a gastrointestinal side effect and gave me IV PEPCID. It worked. I felt better in 2 minutes and all the symptoms were gone in 20 minutes and never returned. I will need Pepcid during every IV. It is NOT considered a reaction, but a side effect. Hope this helps someone. I seen others with these symptoms and the doctor gave up on the med. I will add to this review in 6 months and let you know how it worked. Today I feel better with some less pain but not sure if it is the med or the IV steroids that is doing this. Take care and feel better everyone."

• Beach...
• 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, Zurtec 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 pyjamas 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."

• Brad...
• 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 and after six months and when my mum eats her food is straight back up again she says it gets stuck and with that sputum and 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"

• vipsan
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2024

Rituxan (rituximab) for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "I had my first infusion last Friday and was premedicated with Benadryl, Tylenol, Pepcid, and a steroid. It was started slowly, but after being bumped up the second time, I became short of breath and dizzy, feeling like I was going to pass out. It was stopped and I was given more Benadryl & Steroid through my IV, waited an hour, and started again but got a headache and body aches. It was stopped, and I was told to go back on Monday to try again. I was given the same starting meds plus the injection of steroid prior to starting, and I had no reactions and was able to finish the entire infusion. I am hopeful the next three over the next three weeks continue to go well. The nurses said most people they have seen have a reaction to the first infusion but then do well after that. I do feel like I have more energy already, but that could be from all of the steroids."

• GEEBREE
• 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 & 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."

• ms milo
• 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 brothers kidney, we were a perfect match. 8 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 5 infusions I began to go into remission I have been symptom free for nearly 3 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."

• Sherryl
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2023

Truxima (rituximab) "I was taking Rituxan for several years to suppress my immune system so my body will stop rejecting my lungs. I was switched to Truxima due to the cost of the hospital fee. Truxima does not work as well for me. Two doses four months apart and I am having so much joint and body pain as well. I hope to go back to Rituxan."

• Pink...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Had to stop Methotrexate in May because it caused breathlessness and after many tests was told it was lung scarring. Was not on any treatment for six months and my R A was totally unmanageable. I had my first Rituximab infusion two weeks ago and I am in more pain now than I was before. I’m just hoping that it’s early days and will kick in soon."

• Scarl...
• 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."

• Jimmy
• September 2, 2017

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "I started this treatment with 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 wakeup 3 to 5 hours after going to sleep feeling wide awake. I cannot stay in the 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."

• Masonkk
• 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, muscel 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 easy. Tumor in mesentery has shunk fron 1.6 to 0.9. I guess it is working. Not fun though."

• Jacqu...
• 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 contacted COVID and not known but I’m not so sure. Wish right now I hadn’t touched this drug as gone backwards. I know I am only 6 weeks 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?"