1. < Blood Cancers & Disorders

Reaction from Rituximab

Posted by myla031 @myla031, Mar 3, 2019

I've been diagnosed with NHL 2 years ago and was started on Rituximab 500 mg IV infusion . I'm now on maintenance dose of Rituximab every 2 months. I've been having reactions ,like hives,chest and back discomfort and fever ever since I started my initial treatment and up to now. They always premedicate me with Benadryl IVPB, Tylenol , pepcid IVPB and Prednisone IVP. And I'm still having reactions. Does anyone have the same experience like I do?

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jan 30 9:19am
In reply to @gjk "Will start rituximab next fri the 9th. Ichave smzl with leukemia. My first treatment will be..." + (show)
@gjk

Will start rituximab next fri the 9th. Ichave smzl with leukemia. My first treatment will be 8 hours. Pray all goes well.

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Hi @gjk Rituximab can be a wonder-drug for some of our blood cancers/conditions. I had several infusions and the results were excellent.
I know 8 hours seems like a long time for an infusion. It’s not uncommon with the first treatment to have a reaction. Not saying this to spook you…but to let you know this is common. This is usually a one-off event that is quickly controlled by the infusion nurses with Benadryl or a steroid added into the infusion at the time. The drip rate for the infusion is also very, very slow the first time. Your subsequent infusions may not take that long.

Take along something for entertainment such as a book, tablet, handiwork. You can also have snacks so bring whatever food and water you’d like. Often the infusion centers have snacks, juice and coffee. The IV is portable so you’re able to get up and walk around to use the bathroom or stretch your legs. You’ll find the day goes by fairly quickly.

Do you have any specific questions? Wishing you all the best! Let me now how you do, ok?>

REPLY
1 reply
gjk | @gjk | Jan 31 9:25am
In reply to @loribmt "Hi @gjk Rituximab can be a wonder-drug for some of our blood cancers/conditions. I had several..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hi @gjk Rituximab can be a wonder-drug for some of our blood cancers/conditions. I had several infusions and the results were excellent.
I know 8 hours seems like a long time for an infusion. It’s not uncommon with the first treatment to have a reaction. Not saying this to spook you…but to let you know this is common. This is usually a one-off event that is quickly controlled by the infusion nurses with Benadryl or a steroid added into the infusion at the time. The drip rate for the infusion is also very, very slow the first time. Your subsequent infusions may not take that long.

Take along something for entertainment such as a book, tablet, handiwork. You can also have snacks so bring whatever food and water you’d like. Often the infusion centers have snacks, juice and coffee. The IV is portable so you’re able to get up and walk around to use the bathroom or stretch your legs. You’ll find the day goes by fairly quickly.

Do you have any specific questions? Wishing you all the best! Let me now how you do, ok?>

Jump to this post

I will thanks for the info

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