User Reviews for Rituxan intravenous

I have had RA for 36 yrs. Enbrel was my number one choice but it faded out after 7 yrs. Rituxan did great for 3 years, but now it, too, is losing its effectiveness, so my doctor suggested going up to 3 times/year instead of 2..yikes. I just can't make myself do that because of the severe possible brain disease and other things. I am on Orencia now but I don't think its going to do much.....maybe on to Humira.

On February 13, 2004 my wife was being treated for Waldenstrom's with Rituxan IV. It was her first treatment. The doctor was warned of her history of allergies to many drugs and he decided to give her a double dose of benadryl. Approximately two hours after starting the treatment my wife died from an allergic reaction to Rituxan IV. I would not recommend Rituxan IV to or for anyone suffering from Waldenstrom's if they have a history of any type of allergy.

This is not an "easy" choice for me. It is however about the only option available to me now as other treatments have failed. My reaction has been uneven. Sometimes I suffer side effects for 1-4 weeks and other times just a few days. Eventually I get relief but that also varies from a little to a lot. I look forward to a new alternative but until then, this is my best option.

I had been on cytoxin IV for 4 years with side effects of cystitis, hematuria. After getting Rituxan IV I am able to do more activity as well as the triggers which caused my coughing episodes has almost ceased completely. My life went from living almost in a bubble to becoming active and able to be around the public somewhat.

I am 73 with RA for 7 years. This is the fifth med I have been on. After my third treatment two months later I got a red ithcy rash. Round scaly spots on my arms and legs. RA Dr. said it is not Rituxin. He is treating me with prednisone. I am considering not taking anymore treatments.

Will be taking my fourth round next week (6 treatments under my belt). I have had RA for approx 20 yrs. I have tried most everything available. Since the first treatment, I have come off of taking Tramadol for pain and Prednisone for inflamation. I have been very please with no side effects. I think you just have to try anything and everything until you find the right drug to help your body.

I have cryoglobulinemia and have been on Rituxan since 2011 every 12 weeks get one infusion per week for 2 weeks then on 12 break... This has worked so well that spleen has decreased in size and MRI of brain shows no more areas in the brain from low blood flood when abnormal protein would gel in blood vessels... It is keeping me alive and so happy to finally found a treatment... although will never cure it...

have Cryoglobulinmia and have been on treatment since May 2011 get it every 12 weeks once a week for 2 weeks then get another 12 week break.. It has kept it in check ... the only probelem is finding hematologist to treat it... Went to one that said when I get large non healing sores on legs then come back.... by then I would have had major organ failure and would been of no use....

My husband has polymyositis which is a very rare autoimmune disease. He had been treated with cortisone and methatrexate previously but the Rituxan infusion seems to bring him into remission of about 14 months. He has had 2 other prior series of infusions with this drug. It would be interesting to see if anyone else has used it to treat polymyositis.

I receive Rituxan every six months to keep my NMO (Devic's) in check. Since starting the treatments in April 2010 I haven't had a single exaserbation. I wish I had started it sooner, I might still have eyesight in my left eye.

I had 2 infusions - after the second one I noticed hair loss, it suppressed my immune system too much and got sick 5 times in 8 months with sinus infections etc. After trying to boost immune system with pneunomia which didn't work. I am now having to take IVIG glamuglobin treatment to boost my immune system. As far as the RA it worked, but it screwed up my immune system. Hope this review was helpful.

My first infusion was on January 24, go for my second infusion on February 7th. Hoping for good results

I am a 49 year old awaiting a heart transplant. I have been on 1000mg of Rituxin every 2 weeks and IVIG two day a month for the last 9 months. The goal is to reduce my B cells in order to help prevent rejection. The process has been long and slow but effective. I have had very few side effects, mostly fatigue and headaches. I call it a Rituxin hangover that lasts for a day or two.

My RA was diagnosed about 5 years ago after many years of intense pain. I have tried everything from mthx, Enbrel, Oerencia, etc. None have worked. 6 weeks ago had first infusion of Rituxan. Had to stop infusion because of severe itching in ears and throat started closing up. They gave me more benadryl and steroids and added fluids to the Rituxan to dilute it. Next day I had swelling of face, severe sensitivity to the sun with burning, fatigue and nausea. Next treatment the nurse started out with the dilution and benadryl and only 1/2 of steroid as doctor thought the day after photosensitivity was from the steroids administered the prior infusion. As soon as the iv to dilute ran out I began itching and swelling again. Spent the next week on benadryl to help with face swelling and burning. It has only been 7 weeks since then and I still have to take Ultram every day for the pain and Arava. Very fatigued still but a decrease in morning stiffness and ability to get it going. Don't know if one positive outweighs the negatives yet. Even a small relief is perhaps better than none at all. Ultram takes a really long time to start working too and have to take 2 at a time for relief. It is good to know others are running into the same roadblocks. Helps with the frustration and depression.Read More Read Less

I was taken off Tysabri after 50 doses and tsting positive for the JC virus. From last December until my firs dose of rituxan in May I was barely waking with my rollator. I still use my walker but can walk further with it now. I would say it got me back to the level I was on with tysabri.

I have few other issures so i am not sure if it work totaly

I was diagnosed with RA 1 yr ago. Prednisone was the only drug that gave me relief. I had 2 rounds of Rituxan 4 weeks ago & am still waiting for relief from the terrible pain in my knees & hips. I hope it kicks in soon!

I have a pretty erosive form of RA with very high CRPs, RA factors, and sed rates when I was diagnosed 4 years ago. I tried Enbrel and Orencia with no improvement. I have been on Rituxan for nearly 3 years and now I sometimes forget I have RA. I get the itching throat reaction during the 1st infusion but not during the second. I feel a bit weak for the 1st few days but I have no side effects after. I don't take any steroids, pain meds, or any other drugs. This drug has been a miracle for me!Read More Read Less

This drug worked for me. I took it the r chop combo for six cycles. I am now taking it every twelve weeks for maintenance. The down fall is the fatigue, weight gain and joint aches. This drug helped me tons!! I am a 30 year old survivor.