On 11/23/2007
Ventnornj wrote:
Hi
My sister is being treated with Rituxan next week for a total of 4 doses. Has anyone been treated with Rituxan alone for B cell lymphoma if so what should she expect as far as adverse events. She is very nervous
Thanks
I had 8 treatments of Rituxan for my B cell NHL. The first does, as I understand it, is the riskiest. I did have a reaction after the first hour, but it was immediately taken care of with IV steroids. One-half hour later the resumed the Rituxan treatment.
Again, I did was lucky and did not have any major reactions. After the 7th treatment I would get a rapid heartbeat that lasted for two days and then disappeared. Once I stopped the treatments the rapid heartbeat stopped too.
As I said, the first treatment left me pretty shakey. I was always given IV steroids (Decadron) along with IV benedryl - both to offset the side effects of Rituxan. Got my treatments on Tuesdays and was awake all night. The next day I was also full of energy (steriods). I think the worst of it for me was tiredness - slept a lot. I don't know if that was Rituxan or NHL.
Treatments had limited results for my side effects of NHL. I went on to treatment with Zevalin.
Good luck and God bless!!