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Thread: Immunosuppressant Effect of Rituxin

  1. #1
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    Default Immunosuppressant Effect of Rituxin

    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). 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.

    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.
    Pete
    dx 1/11

    "Every day is a good day. Some are better than others." - unknown

    "Take your meds as directed and live your life as fully as you can." - Michael Chacey, MD

  2. #2
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    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.

  3. #3
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    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.
    Phil Berggren, dx 2003

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    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.

  5. #5
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    Poppy, is this to treat a flare?
    Phil Berggren, dx 2003

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    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.

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    Oh, so this is treating your onset then....WOW.
    Phil Berggren, dx 2003

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    Phil, is that a bad WOW?

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    No, just surprised you are diagnosed recently.
    Phil Berggren, dx 2003

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    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.

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