1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Rituxan and Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Posted by ldhamh @ldhamh, Sep 27, 2023

Is anyone using Rituxan infusions for AIP Type 1? If so, what is the dosage and frequency? Success? I am having 4 infusions of 750 at one per week for 4 weeks repeated every 6 months. I’m currently in my 3rd cycle. My AIP is controlled but I’m concerned about how long I can repeat the Rituxan safely. There just isn’t much long term research.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Sep 27, 2023

Hi @ldhamh, here is a video from Mayo Clinic you may find helpful and informative, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/rituximab-maintenance-therapy-for-autoimmune-pancreatitis/.

I'd like to invite some other AIP members to this discussion to share their treatment options and plans: @harper7745 and @bobb46, and @sub12 have all discussed pancreatitis and may have some insight to share with you on their treatments.

@ldhamh, it is good to hear that your pancreatitis is doing well now that you are on Rituxan. Long-term safety and harm is always a valid concern when dealing with medications. Is this something you discussed with your provider who prescribed you the medications?

REPLY
1 reply
ldhamh | @ldhamh | Sep 27, 2023
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hi @ldhamh, here is a video from Mayo Clinic you may find helpful and informative, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/rituximab-maintenance-therapy-for-autoimmune-pancreatitis/...." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hi @ldhamh, here is a video from Mayo Clinic you may find helpful and informative, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/rituximab-maintenance-therapy-for-autoimmune-pancreatitis/.

I'd like to invite some other AIP members to this discussion to share their treatment options and plans: @harper7745 and @bobb46, and @sub12 have all discussed pancreatitis and may have some insight to share with you on their treatments.

@ldhamh, it is good to hear that your pancreatitis is doing well now that you are on Rituxan. Long-term safety and harm is always a valid concern when dealing with medications. Is this something you discussed with your provider who prescribed you the medications?

Jump to this post

Thank you @JustinMcClanahan for the video link and info. I did watch that video back in 2021 when first diagnosed. I found it very helpful and hopeful as I continued to relapse multiple times. I did steroid tapers and also 6MP which unfortunately caused liver toxicity. The final thing to try was the rituxan. My drs have said that since it seems to be working we need to continue. The alternative is potential flare ups with each time causing more damage to the pancreas, bile duct etc. Too much scarring makes it susceptible to pancreatic cancer is their line of thinking. I am good with the current treatment. Just looking toward the future and any possible issues. Thanks so much!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.