Immunosuppressant Effect of Rituxin

[Pete]

I had my first infusion of rtx yesterday (and get the second of two on October 30). Still feeling pretty much normal (one of my wise guy friends says that's a step up:biggrin1:). As long as nothing happens in the next 24 hours, we're heading to Memphis for a weekend with my brother.

Question: How long does the immunosuppressant effect of rtx lower resistance to colds, flu, etc.? I had my flu shot about a month ago. My wife is getting hers today. I'm pretty sure I will be avoiding sick people at least through the holidays. :unsure:

Before I got WG/GPA, I was rarely sick. Probably missed a day or two of work in the five years before I retired 3.5 years ago. Now, I wonder. Last winter, I got a head cold at New Year's, and it was gone in a week (typical for me). At the time, I was just on 15 mg/wk of mtx, tapering off pred, and taking bactrim on M-W-F. Now, I'm going up to 20 mg/wk of mtx after infusion #2, holding at 60 mg of pred, and continuing the thrice weekly bactrim.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

[Meredith]

It was my understanding that it takes about a month for Rituxan to start working - it is not immediate. Last year I had my last treatment on Friday and headed to Florida (Disney for 10 days). Only had one night where I was hurting all over. I thought I had done to much but from reading here other people ache some after having the treatments. I would not hesitate again to go anywhere after treatment.

[pberggren1]

I would avoid crowds until at least early December and even after then wear a mask and take other precautions when out in the crowds for another 2 months after that.

[Poppy64]

I had my second infusion on Wednesday, October 9th (along with my flu shot) and woke up on Saturday, October 12th with a bad cough and cold.

[pberggren1]

Poppy, is this to treat a flare?

[Poppy64]

Hi Phil, no this was not a flare. Just my 2nd infusion (to tell you the truth I don't even know if I would know what a flare is). I was diagnosed in October.

[pberggren1]

Oh, so this is treating your onset then....WOW.

[Poppy64]

Phil, is that a bad WOW?

[pberggren1]

No, just surprised you are diagnosed recently.

[Poppy64]

Ok..Cause if it is bad I need to know. Still trying to wrap my head around this. I appreciate everything I have learned from this forum so far.

[Pete]

I would avoid crowds until at least early December and even after then wear a mask and take other precautions when out in the crowds for another 2 months after that.

Thanks, Phil. I knew I could count on you for some specific guidance. That shouldn't be too difficult for me now since I can come and go pretty much at my discretion.

[pberggren1]

Poppy, the main thing is that you are getting rtx for treatment now. How many infusions total are you getting this round?

[Poppy64]

I got 2 doses to start and then one every 3 to 6 months. My next one is in February.

[rebekah]

I think my doctor said 3 months, but I could be wrong. She also said to avoid people who are sick while using Rituxan. I'm sure my doctor wouldn't be happy if she heard I bought a ticket for the OSU game Saturday. I would listen to Phil... and maybe I should too... I hope it helps with your symptoms and your next infusion goes well too! Enjoy Memphis! :)

[pberggren1]

Naughty girls, especially that Rebekah....gonna get a spanking soon if they don't listen to Dr. Phil....:wink1:

[Poppy64]

It's hard to avoid people. I take a bus and 2 trains to and from work everyday. I never realized how yucky some people can be until I was diagnosed. I Purell constantly. It's gonna be a long winter!

[pberggren1]

Just get some masks and wear them on the bus and train.

[Poppy64]

I'll start doing that. Thanks for the advise.

[me2]

Just get some masks and wear them on the bus and train.


... and a cape too right?

[Alysia]

Thank you, Dr. Phil, for the warnings :thumbup:
I admit that I didn't know all this, my doc didn't tell me anything about it :sad:
maybe you should spank him instead of poor Rebekah :wink1:

[rebekah]

I promise to listen to you, Dr. Phil... starting tomorrow after the game, no more big crowds.

[pberggren1]

You just averted a spanking......lol.

[rebekah]

I just got back from the game, and I don't think I need to worry about the big crowd so much as I do my own stupidity. I wore a t-shirt and flip flops to the game... 45 degrees outside and I'm the only one not wearing a jacket and boots. This cold weather came fast, I'm not prepared for it at all. I don't think I'll leave my bed all winter...

[pberggren1]

Silly girl.......October in Ohio.....hmmm

[Sjap0655]

I have a question, if you are treated with rTX, does your doctor have you do urine dipstick test at home? My doctor told me to do them to monitor protein and blood in the urine. My question, is how long before you start to see no blood, or protein in urine after reviving RTX? Or a better question is how long before your labs, urine blood work results came back normal?