Rituximab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• 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?"

• 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."

• Wait...
• 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."

• lwano
• 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 therapies (DMTs). 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. 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."

• Steph
• 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 thats common in the esophagus and thats why. Its 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."

• CBano
• 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 Rituxumab because it seemed to be working as well as Enbrel."

• Cathy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 28, 2021

Rituxan (rituximab) for Microscopic Polyangiitis "I started on rituximab two years ago due to vascularitus which attacked my kidneys. I lost 50 percent of kidney function. I was already suffering from RA and was using embrel 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 l missed taking my antibiotic sometimes, so follow your doctors instructions well. I am so thankful for this treatment, l am in great form, had no side effects, no pain and my illnesses are stable. Scientific progress is great."

• Danbee
• July 19, 2015

For Pemphigus "The course of treatment was 1000mg two weeks apart, and one 1000mg 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, a sense of malaise. Utilizing a cannabis (eaten) treatment to counteract the nausea, it also alleviated the nervous reactions to stressful stimulus. (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 a 1/8g of cannabis eaten with white rice. Overall being forewarned is very helpful to keep side effects in perspective."

• 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!"

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

"I had this medication rituximab for about one and a half year 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 year further along , and worse again. No energy whatsoever, cramps, headaches, and memory problems. I want to go back to rituximab."

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

Rituxan (rituximab) "My 14 yr old daughter was diagnosed w/lupus nephritis IV 3 weeks ago. I didn't agree w/ the infusion of Rituxan & 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 & send a patient home without worrying about the effects."

• hat_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 of 10 due to side effects, and I know it works well for many people. Not for all though."

• nekdo
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2022

"I was diagnosed with Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) 4 years ago. I month of prednisone 80mg daily did not produce any effect, so I was given rituximab. Because of rather slow response, I was given 6 standard doses of it (over 6 weeks). There was no side effect. My condition stabilised in the next 5 months, and remission lasted for year and half. On my second episode I received 4 doses of rituximab, but sadly with no effect, so there was no point to continue with it. Now I am on Cellcept for over a year and still stable. So... It was good until it lasted."

• Photo...
• 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."

• Photo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2016

For Bullous Pemphigoid "I had 2 infusions in June, 2 weeks apart. Had a severe reaction with the first infusion and a mild reaction with the second infusion. Have not noticed any changes in my condition. I've read it might take up to 3 months to see the effects of rituximab. Am still taking azathioprine, prednisone and doxycycline to manage symptoms."

• Giann...
• February 3, 2016

For Microscopic Polyangiitis "I was dx with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with cryoglobulinemia caused by Sjogren's syndrome. The tx the first time I was dx was a course of 7 plasmapheresis treatment, prednisone and Rituxan (was effective at the time, no side effects). The next year I had an exacerbation and they decided to give me Rituxan again. A week after I had my first dose I had a severe allergic reaction, which at that time they were not sure it was the Rituxan. I was 4 days in the hospital with severe hives all over the body, swollen face and lips, severe pain in my joints, and high creatinine levels. With high doses of prednisone I was stabilized. For the next tx with Rituxan I had immediate allergic reaction as before and the they had to stop the tx"

• Kwas
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 8, 2021

"I was on this for Vasculitis. I had several infusions of this drug. I had severe side effects which included nausea , dizziness, bad confusion, and bad hair loss. I took four infusions and could no longer tolerate the side effects. They got worse each time. Thank goodness my vasculitis has improved somewhat. I’m not taking this again unless it’s a life and death situation."

• Duc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2024

"This, in combination with bendamustine, seems to have vastly improved the disease based on multiple blood tests. I've had very little side effects over 5 months of treatments. I have one more treatment for a total of six, then a maintenance regimen being discussed every 8 weeks."

• Sally
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 19, 2022

"Coming up to 4 years since having 2 infusions of Rituximab for Lupus SLE. Not had any significant inflammation since. That was until 4 weeks ago when I had my 4th covid jab. It seems to have come back intermittently since then. Nearly four years seems pretty good and hoping to get another two infusions soon. It has worked really well for me even though I am still disabled by the damage done before this wonder drug. I did have some side effects of severe sore eyes and arm pain which resolved in a few days. I wish this had been available years ago as the inflammation destroyed my joints. I have Lupus SLE. I managed to drop my steroids but only to 5 mg as I now have adrenal insufficiency due to long term steroids. All in all it has worked well for me and reduced my pain no end. I'm in England and very thankful for the NHS."

• Mark
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2019

"This drug saved my life. This medication is right up their with the finding of penicillin. Nose and throat were being destroyed by some type of localize inflammation. This drug stopped it. Steroids did not.... Also helped with atopic dermatitis of the lips"

• Chris...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2024

For Follicular Lymphoma "I am a 76-year-old white male. I started Rituximab and Blitzima IV treatment in March 2023. Since November 2023, I have been on maintenance treatment. Apart from a red skin rash all over my body after the very first treatment, I had no side effects whatsoever. According to my oncologist, it is working perfectly. Regular blood tests back this up."

• Kitley
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2021

"I took Rituxan for my lupus first dose in Dec 2020. I haven't noticed much of a difference but did notice a huge side effect to my hair texture. It has now gone from completely straight to curly and wavy just 5 months after taking Rituxan. I definitely wasn't happy and not sure if this is permanent or temporary"

• GoatCzy
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 3, 2024

Truxima (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!"

• Jilly...
• 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."