Rituximab for Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis User Reviews

• vfr...
• December 26, 2011

"I have taken this medication 4 times over the past 5 weeks or so. I have had no complications other than a little wheeze caused by a narrowing of my bronchial airways. My CT scan shows a 'dramatic response' to the medications and no new nodules. I am very hopeful that this is the cure for this disease. I am feeling wonderful, and I would encourage anyone to take the chance that it too may change your life. Do your research and then try. I did, and I am so very happy. I have a future now."

• Chi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2016

"I have had Wegener's since April 2008. Medications of prednisone, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate were successful in slowing down the disease. However, I still had flare-ups two to three times per year, requiring hospitalization and the resumption of heavy doses of prednisone until better, then had to taper back off. In June 2013, I again was back in the hospital, and in September 2013, I started on Rituxan, getting two doses two weeks apart and again six months later. I only take 5 mg of prednisone a day and remain on methotrexate 20 mg once per week. I have eliminated hospital visits and have enjoyed life much more. I am just finishing this month my two dose shots and am now looking to reduce it to one dose every six months and reducing my methotrexate to 15 mg. Side effects: minor."

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

Rituximab "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."

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

"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. ☺"

• GPA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2024

"Just about to receive my second round of the infusion. First one went well with no sudden side effects. Long-term side effects are for me - fatigue and blurred vision. Blurred vision has been helped with eye drops as my own tears seem to have changed since I started on rituximab. Fatigue is something that bothers me as I have always been very active. Hopefully, there is a way to negate that. Will see with the next appointment with the doctor."

• Ted...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 22, 2021

Rituximab "Keeps my disease in check without any severe side effects."