Side Effects of Rituxan
Thank you much. I am new to all this blogging etc.
Comments
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Rituxan
I am also in remission. I was treated with R-CVP for 6 sessions.In remission since Oct.2010. I go for my 3rd R tomorrow. We are all different but I find it does wear me down for a couple of weeks afterwards. That is the only real side effect that I have noticed so far. What was your initial diagnoses stage and grade? John (FNHL-4-1A-5/10)0 -
I am also in remission of
I am also in remission of non hodkins B cell lymphoma. Currently 5 down in the 2 year plan. Mostly resulted in some tiredness and a scratchy throat for a few days. After the last one in February I somehow got pleurisy. Onc said he doesn't think it was from the treatment. I wasn't sick but I started a fever that hung around a while. The main thing that bothers me since getting done with R-CHOP and getting my hair back is how thin my formerly thick hair is. I don't know if rituxan can inhibit hair growth but I am curious to see what happens after the next 3 treatments are done.
Take care.0 -
Rituxan...
Hi, and welcome to the group.
Quite a few of us have had, or are currently receiving the 2 year maint of Rituxan. I just finished round 7 of my two year plan on Feb 14th with another year to go.I get my infusion every other month. I never quite got my energy level back to where I'd like it to be. I finished my CVP-R first line chemo treatments a year ago December, and thought by now I'd have more energy, but it's only at about 60% from where it was before chemo. I feel a bit more tired for about 2 weeks after my R infusion and also experience some discomfort in my left hip and knees. I think the hip pain is caused from my BMB(bone marrow biopsy)that was done in June of 2010. My Onc had to go in my left hip 3 times in order to retrieve enough of a sample to send to pathology...terrible experience and very painful. I truely feel she either hit a nerve or did some permanent damage in that area. Also, I knowtice my hair has grown back thick and full and also grows quite fast between hair cuts. Other than that, I'd say my experience with Rituxan has been very favorable. Let us know how things progress with your treatments, and best wishes for a smooth ride. Take care...Sue
Folicular NHL-stage3-grade2-typeA-diagnosed June 2010-age 61 and considered stable.
CT scan scheduled for March 27th...been a year since my last one, so I'm anxious to see if all is well!0 -
Welcome
Hi Liz and welcome!
I am not on rituxan maintenance but it was part of my treatment
(R-EPOCH) for Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (small intestine/mesentery).
I was very fortunate that I didn't have major side effects from my chemo
which completed in October 2011. My main reactions were the typical hair loss,
fatigue and a couple times I "flushed" a little bit. Oh, and I almost forgot
the constipation (vincristine) - how could I forget that!
I imagine you'll hear from another "Liz" here (current avatar
10 toes with smiles). She recently started Rituxan and has had
reactions to it but I think she's in a small percentage. Most reactions
to Rituxan occur during the first or second treatment and if that happens
is managed my tweaking and medications.
You are in good company here and you'll find a wealth of support.
Wishing you the best and keep us posted.
Hugs,
Jim0 -
Hi Lizalv
Hi Lizalv, my dx is Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma stage 4, tumor in spleen, liver and bone marrow involvement. I had Rituxan treatment in Feb of this year, I did have some side effects but just keep in mind that everybody is different and you might not get the same side effects that I did. On my first treatment I had severe pain in my lower back down to my bottom, I actually had tell them to stop the treatment because I couldn't hack it! The Onc gave me some pretty good pain medicine that knocked me out lol! Second week I got a lovely rash all over my body (except on the face), Onc gave me some Prednisone for a week. Third week I got angioedema and by the fourth week I was just too tired. I dragged myself into the clinic just thanking God it was almost over. Hopefully you will be saved from the stuff that I got and be a normal person like everybody else here and just get the fatigue! I will be keeping you in my prayers and let us know how everything is going for you ok! Take care
Sincerely,
Liz0 -
Hi Lizalv
Welcome I finished my rituxin for large B cell HNL last Sept. The only problem I had which was really horrible after every infusion was... how do I say this delicately I had terrible constipation the next day or so after and my husband had to give me a enema or sometimes, two for relief. Once the horrible episode was over I never had any other problems. During infusion my restless leg got worse .. My hair came back after chemo very curly. I had someone in my support group last night tell me his Dr. wants him to take rituxin for 5 years. I have never heard more than 2. I was told by Moffit in Tampa Fl that the rituxin gave me an 80% change of not getting the NHL for 7 to 9 years. I NEVER WANT IT BACK!!!!!!! I have been in remission since June 2009 and feel blessed every day!!0 -
Immune Systembobmcghee said:I am also in remission of
I am also in remission of non hodkins B cell lymphoma. Currently 5 down in the 2 year plan. Mostly resulted in some tiredness and a scratchy throat for a few days. After the last one in February I somehow got pleurisy. Onc said he doesn't think it was from the treatment. I wasn't sick but I started a fever that hung around a while. The main thing that bothers me since getting done with R-CHOP and getting my hair back is how thin my formerly thick hair is. I don't know if rituxan can inhibit hair growth but I am curious to see what happens after the next 3 treatments are done.
Take care.
I am also in remmission from Lymphoma. My chemo has left me with my immune system reduced to near zero. Do you have the same problem?
Bill0 -
Non-Hodgkins
I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in February of 1996, over 6 years ago. I had a bone marrow biopsy and was told I had Stage 4 B Cell Lymphoma. My oncologist suggested a two year program using rituxan. At the end of two years, we started the treatment plan all over again. In all, I was given rituxan for 4 1/2 years. I had not felt comfortable with my oncologist for a long time and went to Stanford for another opinion. I changed oncologists at that time and have been going to Stanford ever since. I truly believe my old oncologist was only concerned about making money. My new oncologist said I should have never been on rituxan for more than 2 years. She specializes in Non Hodgkin's lymphoma. I got very very lucky. Since changing, I have not been on any medications and I have had no problems. I see my oncologist every 6 months now for tests, blood work up, etc.
To answer your question, I had no problem with rituxan. I liked to have my treatment early in the morning so as to not use up any more of my day than I had to. My husband and I went out for lunch after every treatment. It never made me sick or made me feel bad. The worst part is sitting there for 4 hours. Just a little tired from the benadryl.
I guess I just want to say always, always, get a second opinion. If you have the right doctor he/she will encourage you to get that second opinion. If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor, get another one and believe me, being diagnosed with Stage 4 Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma is not a death sentence.0 -
RituxanJoanieP said:Hi Lizalv
Welcome I finished my rituxin for large B cell HNL last Sept. The only problem I had which was really horrible after every infusion was... how do I say this delicately I had terrible constipation the next day or so after and my husband had to give me a enema or sometimes, two for relief. Once the horrible episode was over I never had any other problems. During infusion my restless leg got worse .. My hair came back after chemo very curly. I had someone in my support group last night tell me his Dr. wants him to take rituxin for 5 years. I have never heard more than 2. I was told by Moffit in Tampa Fl that the rituxin gave me an 80% change of not getting the NHL for 7 to 9 years. I NEVER WANT IT BACK!!!!!!! I have been in remission since June 2009 and feel blessed every day!!
My oncologist, who specializes in non hodgkins and spent the last 15 years researching
non hodgkins for Standord University Hospital says rituxan has only been proven effective for 2 years of treatment. She says additional rituxan can be very harmful to the kidneys and should never, never be taken for more than the two years. Please share this information with your support group.
Good luck to you.0 -
maintenancenonnie94526 said:Non-Hodgkins
I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in February of 1996, over 6 years ago. I had a bone marrow biopsy and was told I had Stage 4 B Cell Lymphoma. My oncologist suggested a two year program using rituxan. At the end of two years, we started the treatment plan all over again. In all, I was given rituxan for 4 1/2 years. I had not felt comfortable with my oncologist for a long time and went to Stanford for another opinion. I changed oncologists at that time and have been going to Stanford ever since. I truly believe my old oncologist was only concerned about making money. My new oncologist said I should have never been on rituxan for more than 2 years. She specializes in Non Hodgkin's lymphoma. I got very very lucky. Since changing, I have not been on any medications and I have had no problems. I see my oncologist every 6 months now for tests, blood work up, etc.
To answer your question, I had no problem with rituxan. I liked to have my treatment early in the morning so as to not use up any more of my day than I had to. My husband and I went out for lunch after every treatment. It never made me sick or made me feel bad. The worst part is sitting there for 4 hours. Just a little tired from the benadryl.
I guess I just want to say always, always, get a second opinion. If you have the right doctor he/she will encourage you to get that second opinion. If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor, get another one and believe me, being diagnosed with Stage 4 Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma is not a death sentence.
I guess it depends on how the doctor feels I guess, I too was stage 4 with bone involvement, and maintenance chemo was never on the table for NHL large B cell. So I don't know......0 -
Hi Liz
I have my 3rd chemo maintence this month with Rituxan. So far very little side effects other than being tired. I too am on a 2 year program with my cancer in remission thank God.0 -
This site is wonderfulnonnie94526 said:Rituxan
My oncologist, who specializes in non hodgkins and spent the last 15 years researching
non hodgkins for Standord University Hospital says rituxan has only been proven effective for 2 years of treatment. She says additional rituxan can be very harmful to the kidneys and should never, never be taken for more than the two years. Please share this information with your support group.
Good luck to you.
Hello,
What I have learned on this site.
I only had Rituxan once weekly for 4 weeks in 2009. Right now I am in remission. My
oncologist did tell me if my NHL would ever return, she would treat me with Rituxan
again.
There are some of this site that are being treated with Rituxan for 2 years. I can
see why the cut-off is 2 years.
Thanks so much for your helpful news. Maggie0 -
JImjimwins said:Welcome
Hi Liz and welcome!
I am not on rituxan maintenance but it was part of my treatment
(R-EPOCH) for Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (small intestine/mesentery).
I was very fortunate that I didn't have major side effects from my chemo
which completed in October 2011. My main reactions were the typical hair loss,
fatigue and a couple times I "flushed" a little bit. Oh, and I almost forgot
the constipation (vincristine) - how could I forget that!
I imagine you'll hear from another "Liz" here (current avatar
10 toes with smiles). She recently started Rituxan and has had
reactions to it but I think she's in a small percentage. Most reactions
to Rituxan occur during the first or second treatment and if that happens
is managed my tweaking and medications.
You are in good company here and you'll find a wealth of support.
Wishing you the best and keep us posted.
Hugs,
Jim
Get back to me privately? I dont know how. Looking for you.0 -
Retuxin is an IV drug? I thought it was a pill?COBRA666 said:Rituxan
I am also in remission. I was treated with R-CVP for 6 sessions.In remission since Oct.2010. I go for my 3rd R tomorrow. We are all different but I find it does wear me down for a couple of weeks afterwards. That is the only real side effect that I have noticed so far. What was your initial diagnoses stage and grade? John (FNHL-4-1A-5/10)0 -
Infusion...cbpgill26 said:Retuxin is an IV drug? I thought it was a pill?
Yes...mine is given by IV. I haven't heard anyone say they get Rituxan in a pill form. My infusion usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours from start to finish. They start it out slow and then slowly increase the drip. So far, so good for me...no re-action to the R during the infusion. I'm usually pretty tired after I come home due to the pre-meds given before the infusion, and then for a couple of weeks after I'm a bit more tired. I get mine every other month, so I think that might be why I'm not quite as energetic as I hoped to be.
Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)0 -
Starting Chemo on Monday. Chops when does retuxin start? Is it along with the regular treatments are separate. I to am a floridian and tall. Best Wishestall floridian said:Hi Liz
I have my 3rd chemo maintence this month with Rituxan. So far very little side effects other than being tired. I too am on a 2 year program with my cancer in remission thank God.0 -
I am so filled with anxiety. First Chemo on Monday! I am confused is the rituxin given along with regular treatments or separate? Port tomorrow. Dear Lord what a battle. Thanks for your reply. Hugs.allmost60 said:Infusion...
Yes...mine is given by IV. I haven't heard anyone say they get Rituxan in a pill form. My infusion usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours from start to finish. They start it out slow and then slowly increase the drip. So far, so good for me...no re-action to the R during the infusion. I'm usually pretty tired after I come home due to the pre-meds given before the infusion, and then for a couple of weeks after I'm a bit more tired. I get mine every other month, so I think that might be why I'm not quite as energetic as I hoped to be.
Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)0 -
Knowing nothing but my onocologist said retuxin was a two yr. drug and that was all that was safe?nonnie94526 said:Rituxan
My oncologist, who specializes in non hodgkins and spent the last 15 years researching
non hodgkins for Standord University Hospital says rituxan has only been proven effective for 2 years of treatment. She says additional rituxan can be very harmful to the kidneys and should never, never be taken for more than the two years. Please share this information with your support group.
Good luck to you.0 -
Togethercbpgill26 said:Starting Chemo on Monday. Chops when does retuxin start? Is it along with the regular treatments are separate. I to am a floridian and tall. Best Wishes
Hi cbpgill,
The Rituxan is given with the rest of your drugs (it's all in separate bags they're not mixed). Your infusion nurse should go over everything with you on Mon. There is usually a cocktail of drugs also given intravenously to curb any side effects, Bendadryl, Pepcid, and a steroid (usually Prednisone or Decadron) I also was given two Tylenol.
I have Follicular Non-Hodgkin and was treated with Rituxan only for two years, no "chemo". I had an allergic reaction the first time I was given the Rituxan, which I understand is common. It was explained to me that the cells die so fast that the body can't get rid of them at that pace, so they slowed down the drip and gave me Demoral which stopped it. Not to scare you, just to let you know they have it under control.
Most people have minimal side effects and it only happened to me the first time. The rest of the two years were uneventful.
Wishing you the best!
Cat0 -
Just for the heck of itcatwink22 said:Together
Hi cbpgill,
The Rituxan is given with the rest of your drugs (it's all in separate bags they're not mixed). Your infusion nurse should go over everything with you on Mon. There is usually a cocktail of drugs also given intravenously to curb any side effects, Bendadryl, Pepcid, and a steroid (usually Prednisone or Decadron) I also was given two Tylenol.
I have Follicular Non-Hodgkin and was treated with Rituxan only for two years, no "chemo". I had an allergic reaction the first time I was given the Rituxan, which I understand is common. It was explained to me that the cells die so fast that the body can't get rid of them at that pace, so they slowed down the drip and gave me Demoral which stopped it. Not to scare you, just to let you know they have it under control.
Most people have minimal side effects and it only happened to me the first time. The rest of the two years were uneventful.
Wishing you the best!
Cat
Cat,
I am sure you don't remember,but you and Merrywinner were the first to respond to me about 2 years ago when I first posted. I know one thing,I was scared to death.Funny how we remember stuff like that,HuH? Most probably do remember who responded to them first as well. I guess that is the most important post at the time. John0
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