Rituximab and Nausea: What Users Say

• MsA...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 30, 2017

Rituximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis "After failing all other RA treatments, I was high-dose steroid dependent and running out of options. I'll admit, the PML risk had scared me off from trying Rituxan sooner, however, the increasing (and very real) risk of becoming non-functional scared me more. I began infusions about 4 years ago. While most patients receive concomitant methotrexate therapy, I do not, due to liver damage from previous methotrexate use. Rituxan has improved my quality of life physically, mentally, emotionally. My advanced RA will never allow me to live 'normally', but I am the best me I can be with this treatment. Side effects are minimal for me, nausea for a few days after each infusion. That's my story!"

• Bun...
• September 10, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is my second infusion, and I am feeling quite nauseous and headachy, but I know this will pass. Had an extremely bad headache last night, but the relief from the pain has been incredible. Have been on Enbrel, Cimzia, sulfasalazine, Plaquenil, Arava. I am still on prednisone and methotrexate, as well as Celebrex, but the relief I have had since having my first infusion is like a dream come true. I had results within the first few days, so there is hope out there... I can walk a lot easier, can actually use my hands, which was just so painful... My life is back... Don't give up."

• RAf...
• April 12, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "The steroid push with the first dose gave me a whirlwind of energy. I am using it to help CIPD - a dying nerve disease. My body started attacking my nerves and I now have fast-moving, dense neuropathy in my feet, legs, hands, and forearms. Mayo Clinic decided that this would be a good treatment since I suffer from RA as well. I take methotrexate once weekly with the Rituxan. The crash came 3 days later, and I felt the effects of the chemo on my body hard. I threw up a few times, felt like the worst hangover ever for the rest of the week (had infusion Tuesday, now is Sunday). I am still fighting nausea. I really, really liked the steroid energy a lot. Now my joints and bones are screaming narcotics. Sleep is not very good for me yet. It's only been 6 days, though."

• 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."

• 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."

• Kwa...
• 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."

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

For Follicular Lymphoma "I felt immediate shrinkage of the 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After each of my rituxan infusion, I feel nauseated, extremely tired, and have a headache for anywhere from 5 days to a week. Is that normal? Works great for RA, though, so definitely worth it!"

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2025

"Sleepless, lightheadedness, nausea. Used to diminish white blood cells. Just had 2nd round, so too early to see improvement."