Hi racerunner. I am on Rituxan. I had 2 infusions in June, 2014, then tried doing only 'one' infusion in January - which was a bad idea, didn't work as well - then 2 infusions in June, 2015. It is given very, very slowly. Every 25-30 minutes, they take blood pressure, temperature. Every 15 minutes, they ask how i am doing. First you will get some sort of bnedryl, and advil or aleve, or something like that, and steroid. Then, you wait about 20-30 minutes before they do the Rituxan. Did I mention it is given slowly? I think I am there almost 6 hours. The nurses are always offering food, and drinks.

This infusion center will only give diet soda, because goodness knows, that sugar in regular soda is a dangerous thing - but do I want a cookie or pudding to go with the diet soda? (The nurses also do not see why diet pop is always a good idea.)

Hopefully, this will make you feel better about the Rituxan.

Hi there! I have lots of experience with rituxan. Very good results too. Years ago I was deathly sick with some other autoimmune diseases and had been on lots of treatments. One of my Drs suggested rituxan and I was scared at first too but I was on it for about 4 yrs. it was the only thing that put me in remission for about 8 yrs.

Then last yr I get sick with RA, my 4th autoimmune disease. So, I'm taking rituxan again. Oct I'll begin my 3rd set of infusions. I don't have any side effects except a slight amount of hair loss.

They do exactly like 2leftfeet said in giving Benadryl to minimize any anaphylactic reactions, Tylenol and steroid. And it's a long day.

I hope this helps! - Debora

I was on Rituxan for 3 years and 8 months on Actemra, also an infusion. I never had any problems with the infusions, except in the beginning a bit of high blood press inure. They slowed down the rate of the infusion and I was fine.

I think your will be fine. Had it worked without side effects, I would still be one it.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. It eases the fear some. Thanks so much

my rheumie has been bantering about rituxan in my near future.

buddha's is the longest on rituxan in here something like a decade or that area on rituxan. pm him.

when my insurance changes planned in 10 months, i'll switch to rituxan when I can switch hospital infusion centers and I'll check up with you then :).

2 left you crack me up. the hospital i go to went ALL soda diet or regular free. you can have tap water (they got rid of the water bottles in the infusion center) lukewarm stale coffee out of a crusted over coffee pump, or 2 day old corn muffins that taste like corn syrup. I pack a small lightweight cooler bag with what would make me happy and don't ask the nurses for anything. they are understaffed and miserable profession wise as they talk a steady stream about the conditions and I do my best to be patient and patient.

depot

Thank you depot for your input. I will contact buddha. Thanks

Thank you so much for your input buddha. Yes i am afraid that is the path i will be taking. I have not had really any good results from all the meds i have tried. Frustrating and just scared that this is what my life has become. Yghh. Thanks for your help