Low Iron

[Sangye]

You're welcome. I added some stuff to that post after you posted your reply.

[gurinbasra]

Hi,

I have had Rituxan twice now since 2009, however, I think it's because I take Methotrexate in conjunction that has caused me to become anemic - are you on Mtx as well? When I started Mtx 2 years ago, I became very anemic and had some more in depth red blood cell count - like storage count which can really tell if you need to take supplements, and so since then I've been taking 300mg/day and now I don't have an issue with feeling faint, tired or light headed and I still take them to date as they maintain a normal level of RBC count. But I really thought this had more do with the way Mtx works and not the Rtx. You can always try to increase your iron intake via diet, taking supplements if not needed can be dangerous if you can get your hands on them (they are behind the counter here in Canada). Hope the Rituxan works out for you, it's been my "miracle drug".

[Meredith]

I believe that my blood was actually a little low when I had my blood checked in December while I was on cytoxan. Now since the rituxan in March/April I am still on the cytoxan. I told the doctor three weeks ago I was a little lightheaded when I first stood up from bed. This last blood test he said my blood count was even lower. I feel good. Guess I will call him today and schedule the new blood work he wants. Thanks for all your input.

[drz]

My anemia seemed to get better slowly. Where Hemoglobin normal is 14 and up I was running in the 5's during worst bleeding in my lungs which required many blood transfusions. When you cough up a half cup of blood there is no doubt as to what is happening. When bleeding slowed there was no visible blood coming up but they could hear the congestion in my lungs. Then my HGB was running in the 8-10 range and transfusions were down to weekly. A dry cough was often present then along with fatigue. Increased fatigue usually meant my HGB had dropped and a transfusion was needed. As kidneys improved and CTX dosage decreased, my HGB got into double digits and stayed there. The plan then became to get an Epogen shot to boost HGB if needed since they didn't want me to have any more transfusions if they could be avoided. My lungs cleared up with no more evidence of bleeding and most blood work was either normal or approaching normal except for HGB which still runs around 12, my highest numbers in two years.