I was 3-months after first infusion, before I really felt even a slight benefit. The 2nd-infusion came at 6-months, and there was another slight boost, at that point. It was at month #9 - that the symptoms really started to decline.
All thru those first nine-months and beyond, I was supported with weekly IVIG and high-dose prednisone.

I have not had IVIG since mid-February (it is now mid-June).
I have tapered the Prednisone, now down to 5mg daily.
Maybe you need that interim support, too?
Until the Rituxan kicks in?
Hang in there!
Thinking of you!

Yes, agree my rituxian benefits started about 3 months after, I am down to 12.5 pred and will drop to 10 on 7/1 . I can tell I am so much better than last year. Still have days...of the roller coaster ride but at least not daily.
Good luck!
Annette

I have heard good things about Rituxan.

So good to hear these encouraging stories!

Thanks for the responses. I had good effects almost immediately. Within a few days of first infusion. I had the second infusion four weeks later and was unbelievably better. Effects started to decline somewhat within three months and now June being six months even more so.
So, I guess I am backward, but I am even weaker than before Rituxan.
I am notorious for not responding as expected to most medications.

Did anyone have cd20 levels checked before having next round of infusions? I had my levels checked in April, but the B cells had not returned at that time, so no Rituxan. I am thinking I am going to need some alternate treatment if this test comes back negative. I can't imagine going through a hot Georgia summer and already feeling like this at the get-go.

2 infusions (2 weeks apart). I did not need plasma exchange for 5 months. That was good for me. --Kerry

I haven't had plasmapheresis since late October, but really feel like I need it now. Even typing this, I can tell my arm muscles are much weaker.
Did anyone have the B cell test to determine if they would have another infusion, or did they just go by how you were doing?
If I can't get Rituxan again, I would like to possibly give Ivig another try.

My dr checks my B cell and goes by that when I get another round.
Annette

Hi L!
B-Cell test. I just looked through my lab-reports, and don't find anything specific to either B-cells, or CD20. I see my Neuro in 2 weeks, will let you know more then.

I do have results for Lymphocytes Absolute, which is maybe more of a shotgun approach, to measuring B-cells? The standard-range on the test, is: 1.0 to 3.3 thousands/microliter (thou/uL).
mid-June 2014: 0.92.
mid-April 2014: 1.14 More or less: the low-range of normal.
When I was first so very ill - and on Imuran?
mid-November 2012: 0.20. (Imuran was dropped, for Rituxan.)

Here's a link to an abstract, of a small study of MG & Rituxan, including a few LEMS patients. Some of the cases sound similar to what you are experiencing.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/743695
- Ross

Those of you that have had infusions, are you MUsk MG? Occular or general? What meds and doses were you on before you tried Rituxan? I have had MG since 2000, and my neuro is contemplating Rituxan.

Any advice would be great!

I have Lems and possibly seronegative generalized mg.

According to this article, page 6, it 'is' possible to have immediate results from Rituxan.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002645/

Hi dmccauley! Welcome! This is a great group of people!
There's a lot of collective wisdom here, from all over the globe.
Looking forward to your input.

Feel free to start a new topic, to introduce yourself. Use the Discussions box probably, just like you see here .. many of us miss the other options from the pulldown menu, like Advice.
Here' s another recent discussion on Rituxan/Rituximab.
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Myasthenia_Gravis/forum/18986597-rituxin-experiences/page-2
Also: near the top of the Topics page, towards the right? Is a search engine. Type in Rituxan - and the most recent discussions will pop up.
Sorry you have reason to be here. Glad you have found us!
- Ross

All I can tell you that it was worth getting the infusions of Rituxan. I had four infusions in December (1 each week for four weeks) and that was repeated in May of this year. I did have positive results after about 3 months. Since I have CLL (leukemia) they were treating the CLL and MG. I am not where I want to be but I have not had a crisis like I have had in the past year. Like Ross it takes several months to start to see results. My oncologist and neurologist both agree that the Leukemia could have be the cause for the release of antibodies from the cancer cells. My lymphocytes and white count were within normal limits after my first round of Rituxan. After about 6 months the counts were increasing and causing my symptoms from MG to creep back in. My oncologist and neurologist both want me to taper off prednisone as soon as I can. I have been on 60mg daily for over a year and has caused side effects that I don't want or like. There is a wealth of info on paraneoplastic syndrome which is caused by cancer. The syndrome can cause such diseases as MG.

Be patient and things will improve.

Clark