Rituximab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• 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."

• 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?"

• 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."

• Big...
• February 5, 2023

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia "The treatment effectively stopped the cancer, but I have been experiencing bone pain in my hips for the past 3 and a half years. I am unsure whether it is a result of Rituximab or Bendamustine. Additionally, I have developed chemo brain, which has severely impacted my cognitive abilities. Although I am in remission from leukemia, the treatment has had other adverse effects on my health, including the need to retire from work and go on disability earlier than planned. Nevertheless, I am grateful to be alive."

• Pin...
• 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 RA 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."

• CBa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 22, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After taking Enbrel for almost 10 years, it suddenly stopped working. Enbrel worked well for me over those years without incident. I was pleased when I started Rituximab because it seemed to be working as well as Enbrel."

• lwa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 25, 2019

"Diagnosed with MS in May 2018, began Rituxan infusion in July 2018. It’s off-label for MS as a disease-modifying therapy (DMT). I get an infusion every 6 months. My primary MS symptoms are difficulty walking and fatigue. I found that things haven’t gotten worse at least. My neurologist says Rituxan should help for my condition to be stable. Can’t really tell then if it’s working, but will keep with it because my side effects are not bad at all. They happen only during the infusion: sore throat, flushed cheeks, chills once, but then they disappear before the infusion ends. Fatigue for a day after, then back to work. I usually need 2 days off for my Rituxan treatment."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 28, 2021

Rituximab for Microscopic Polyangiitis "I started on rituximab two years ago due to vasculitis, which attacked my kidneys. I lost 50 percent of kidney function. I was already suffering from RA and was using Enbrel and methotrexate. Rituximab now treats both illnesses for me. I did, however, get pneumonia twice in the second year, but maybe that was due to the fact that I missed taking my antibiotics sometimes, so follow your doctor's instructions well. I am so thankful for this treatment, I am in great form, had no side effects, no pain, and my illnesses are stable. Scientific progress is great."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2024

Rituximab "I live with tinnitus. Rituxan took it to a whole new level. Symptoms began with noise similar to rushing wind and developed into wind with a badly played trumpet. No music, just blasting notes. This experience lasted about three hours. When it subsided, my tinnitus was practically gone. Though the tinnitus did return, the windy trumpet didn’t."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2019

For Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis "Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recurred in my transplant about a month after receiving it. My nephrologist said that this helped some patients go into remission. Not me, of course. I did 4 rounds of this drug on separate occasions. One side effect I had was pretty annoying, my throat felt like it was slightly swollen. They assured me this was common! I thought I was having an allergic reaction. A nurse said it was attacking something that's common in the esophagus, and that's why. It's scary. It was a long infusion. After my 4th treatment, the Ritux was concentrated in my blood. I had no relief from the FSGS. The best relief I found was from plasmapheresis. I had severe skin sensitivity. I couldn't wash myself or lie down without hurting. My skin hurt to the touch like a sensitive bruise. This lasted about 3 days. I also got a slight fever."

• Wai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2022

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "Had first round yesterday. Midway, had a reaction of extreme chills and shakes. Benadryl and reduced drip to counter. I should have waited longer after treatment to walk. Got just outside building and dropped like a rock. Spent next eight hours in E. All my fault. Have another scheduled in one week. Will take snacks along and wait longer after treatment to become ambulatory."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2021

"What a horrible drug! Anxiety like crazy almost immediately after infusion, still 6 weeks later! Hair is falling out as well. Needless to say, this will be the last time on this drug! Can't wait till it's out of my system!"

• Pap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2024

For Follicular Lymphoma "I felt immediate shrinkage of spleen and other nodes. Relief from rash (UV sensitivity). Didn't lose all my hair, just thinned out. I never got nauseated. Felt my quality of life was better. I completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy at the highest recommended dose."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2023

Rituximab "I was taking Rituxan for several years to suppress my immune system so my body would 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."

• Dan...
• July 19, 2015

For Pemphigus "The course of treatment was 1000 mg two weeks apart, and one 1000 mg dose six months after. The first wave of treatment brought the pemphigus to only two isolated areas (this is after 7 years of constant open wounds). The side effects were standard: extreme exhaustion and a sense of malaise. Utilizing a cannabis (eaten) treatment to counteract the nausea, it also alleviated the nervous reactions to stressful stimuli (not a normal user of such). The final treatment was completed in mid-June 2015, the side effects have been considerably less, only one day so far of dizziness and nervous reaction. This was treated with 1/8 g of cannabis eaten with white rice. Overall, being forewarned is very helpful to keep side effects in perspective."

• Ffb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 31, 2024

For Mantle Cell Lymphoma "This works well. Although honestly I don't really know. I am on the maintenance every other month for three years. The first 10-14 days after the infusion I get sick with nausea and pretty much no energy. After that it is hit or miss. If it keeps the mantle cell at bay, that is all I can ask. So far, so good."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2020

Rituximab "My 14-year-old daughter was diagnosed with lupus nephritis IV three weeks ago. I didn't agree with the infusion of Rituxan and protested, but it was administered even though the prescribing procedure clearly states, 'DO NOT ADMINISTER TO PATIENTS WITH RENAL IMPAIRMENT.' I read that it was NOT approved to treat lupus in adults or children. The side effects have been extremely painful for her. I'm livid because her RA has no interest in even seeing her until the next infusion has been approved. Her nephrologist hasn't called either, but in my opinion, this isn't a typical OTC that you infuse and send a patient home without worrying about the effects."

• DRB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 24, 2019

"I had this medication rituximab for about one and a half years for multiple sclerosis (MS), and was doing so well. I was actually starting to cycle again after at least 3 years. I never felt better. Unfortunately, they brought out Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab), which is basically a similar drug with a slight difference, and labeled that as specifically for MS patients. So my specialist wanted me to change. My first infusion was a nightmare, and I was ill for three weeks. I am now also one and a half years further along and worse again. No energy whatsoever, cramps, headaches, and memory problems. I want to go back to rituximab."

• Tor...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 27, 2024

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "Well tolerated, appears effective. Seems to cause moderate to severe muscle pain at times during my 3-month cycle. But I am VERY active, cycling 20+ miles at competitive speeds, playing fast ice hockey, and skateboarding often. There are a few weeks per cycle when I experience substantial muscle pain, including many more trigger point knots than usual. Massage and NSAIDs help tremendously."

• Llo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2024

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "My first infusion was difficult in that I experienced severe itching. The pharmacist on my case prescribed medications to help get me through the initial infusion. I was able to tolerate subsequent infusions more easily. After my infusions, I did have asymptomatic periods where my lymphoma did not cause as much fatigue, and my complete blood count levels did improve."

• vip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2024

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."

• Goa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 3, 2024

Rituximab "First was on Rituxan. I got very sick while administered and severe head pain after. Truxima was able to control nausea during administration. It's a rough couple of weeks after with intestinal cramps & gas, fatigue, dizziness, and lethargy, but it does help the pain of RA, controls it in the lungs, and stops the fibromyalgia pain, which is a bonus since it's not used for that!"

• hat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 21, 2012

For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma "I had chills, shakes, and low blood pressure at my first infusion. Subsequent infusions were easier, but still difficult. I think it's 8 out of 10 due to side effects, and I know it works well for many people. Not for all, though."

• Jer...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 19, 2023

For Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis "I went through two rounds of rituximab about a month after being diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. While getting the infusion, I had a slight allergic reaction to it, which caused them to slow down the infusions (4-6 hours for each round). After the infusions, we began to see positive results, and my blood tests began to show signs it was working. After a little over a year, I was given the all-clear and told I was in remission. At the time I was going through this (2016), rituximab was not being used much for FSGS. However, I was lucky, and my insurance covered it. I would highly recommend anyone with the disease do whatever they can to use this medicine over the other options, which include a large and long dose of steroids. I am very pleased and have not had any additional issues since then."

• Pho...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 23, 2017

For Bullous Pemphigoid "I had 4 rituxan infusions last year. Discontinued all meds in Dec. 2016. Symptoms returned within 2 weeks. Blood work in Jan. 2017 showed my numbers were still as high as when I was first tested a year earlier. Started again with the azathioprine and have had 4 rituxan infusions this year. Will not know if infusions worked until I have more blood work. My infusions take approximately 5 hours to avoid most side effects."