How You Have Rituximab
You might have rituximab on its own or with other cancer drugs . You usually have it as a drip into your bloodstream .
Depending on your cancer type, you may be able to have rituximab as an injection under your skin . You can only have rituximab under your skin if you have had at least one dose of rituximab into your vein and you didn’t have any serious side effects during the infusion.
How Does Rituxan Work Does It Suppress Your Immune System
Rituxan is a form of immunotherapy. It works by attaching to proteins on immune cells and cancer cells. The exact way Rituxan works depends on the condition youre using the drug to treat.
For instance:
- for rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions that affect your immune system, the drug works by attaching to a certain protein on overactive immune cells
- for cancers, the drug works by attaching to a certain protein on cancer cells
Rituxan can suppress your immune system. And this can increase your risk for infections. Serious infections are a possible side effect of Rituxan. For more information about this, see the What are Rituxans side effects? section above.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding While Using Rituxan
Its not safe to use Rituxan during pregnancy. Doing so can harm a developing fetus. If you can become pregnant, you should avoid conceiving for at least 12 months after your last dose of Rituxan.
Breastfeeding is not recommended while using Rituxan and for at least 6 months after the last dose. The effects of Rituxan on a breastfed child arent known.
If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They can help guide you about the safest treatment options during this time.
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Can Anything Make My Hair Grow More Quickly
Some people think that if they rub or massage their scalp, their hair will grow more quickly. There is no evidence that this helps and, in fact, it could damage fragile new hair and so have a negative impact on hair regrowth.
There is some evidence that minoxidil solution might help it grow back faster. However, further research is needed. Speak to your medical team before using any over-the-counter medicines, to check that they are safe for you.
There are no complementary and alternative medicines recommended in the UK to help with treatment-related hair loss. This includes therapies and natural products such as vitamins, minerals and plant-based products.
If you are considering trying something to help your hair to re-grow, check with your medical team first that it is safe for you. Some could irritate your scalp and cause further hair loss.
How To Take Rituximab And Hyaluronidase Human Injection
Rituximab and hyaluronidase human injection is given by subcutaneous injection area). Do not inject into areas where the skin is red, bruised, tender or hard, or where there are moles or scars. The injection may be given over several minutes. The dosage and schedule is determined by the type of cancer and treatment regimen.
Prior to each dose, you will be given acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and possibly a corticosteroid, to help prevent any reactions. This form of rituximab is only used after having received at least one dose by intravenous infusion, without any reactions.
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Radiotherapy And Hair Loss
Radiotherapy affects hair in the area of the body that receives treatment. This is a common side effect of radiotherapy treatment and usually starts around 2 to 3 weeks after you first have a treatment session.
Radiotherapy damages lymphoma cells to stop them from dividing. However, it also damages healthy cells. Unlike lymphoma cells, healthy cells are able to recover. Cells that grow at a fast rate are more sensitive to these effects. Radiotherapy can therefore stop you from making new hair.
At lower doses of radiotherapy, hair loss is usually temporary. With higher doses, it might be permanent. The speed of hair re-growth depends on the type of radiotherapy, the number of treatments youve had and the area of the body treated.
Hair usually starts to grow back after around 3 to 6 months of treatment.
Will I Be Able To Use Other Medications On The Same Day I Have A Rituxan Infusion
Yes, you can still take other medications on the same day as your Rituxan infusion. In fact, youll usually be given drugs to help prevent you from having an infusion reaction on the day of your Rituxan dose.
Be sure to keep taking your other medications as directed by your doctor, even if its on a day that youre having an infusion. Always talk with your doctor before you stop or start taking medication.
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Can I Apply Cold Caps To My Scalp To Decrease Hair Loss
Discuss this option with your healthcare provider. Small studies have shown that products marketed as “cold caps” can reduce or prevent hair loss from chemotherapy in some patients. These work by decreasing the blood flow to the scalp, preventing the chemotherapy from affecting the hair follicles . Some practitioners are concerned that this may also prevent the chemotherapy from reaching cancer cells that may be in the scalp area.
Who Is Rituxan For
Rituxan® is indicated for
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The treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. |
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The first-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. |
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The first-line treatment of follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma in combination with CVP chemotherapy. |
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The treatment of low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in patients with stable disease or who achieve a partial or complete response following first-line treatment with CVP chemotherapy. |
Rituxan in Canada? cancercare.on.ca
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How Long Does It Take To Work
Rituxan begins working after your first dose.
However, depending on what condition you have, you may not notice symptom relief for weeks afterward. For example, in the treatment of RA, many people see results within 8 weeks of taking Rituxan.
However, with other conditions, such as cancer, you may not notice a difference. This is because although the drug is reducing the number of cancer cells in your body, it may not get rid of them all.
Talk with your doctor about your condition and what to expect from taking Rituxan. Theyll be able to tell you how long it may be before your symptoms ease or your condition improves.
Important Information On Potential Side Effects
Rituxan can cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including:
- Infusion Reactions: Infusion reactions are the most common side effect of Rituxan treatment. Serious infusion reactions can happen during an infusion or within 24 hours after an infusion
- Severe Skin and Mouth Reactions: painful sores or ulcers on skin, lips, or in the mouth blisters, peeling skin, rash, or pustules
- Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation: If a patient has had hepatitis B or is a carrier of hepatitis B virus, receiving Rituxan could cause the virus to become an active infection again
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy : a rare, serious brain infection caused by the JC virus
Before receiving Rituxan, patients should tell their healthcare provider if they:
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How Long Does Rituximab Last
Rituximabrituximab
Interval between treatments and courses: “The half-life of rituximab is about 1 week median duration of persistence in the blood at active levels is of about 3 months: .
Also, does Rituxan suppress immune system? Rituximab suppresses the immune system. Therefore, serious fungal, bacterial, and new or reactivated viral infections can occur during or after treatment with rituximab. Generally, rituximab is avoided in the presence of active, significant infections.
Keeping this in view, what are the long term side effects of rituximab?
Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, joint/muscle pain, weakness, or flushing may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects.
How will I feel after rituximab infusion?
Most common infusion-related reactions with Rituxan may include fever, chills and shakes, itching, and coughing. If you experience any type of reaction, be sure to talk with your doctor.
Tips To Help Prepare For Hair Loss
We give some tips below. However, the approach you decide to take is a very personal decision.
Consider your options
Take some time to think about your approach in advance of changes happening this could include what you might say to people, as well as if and how you choose to cover changes to your appearance.
Some people find it helpful to use an app that shows how you would look without hair. Search online for one thats suitable for your device.
Tell friends, family and colleagues that you expect to lose your hair
Letting people know that you might lose your hair can prepare you and them for this possibility. Having this conversation in advance might help to lessen your anxiety about others reactions to any changes in your appearance. You could also signpost them to our information, to help explain hair loss as a side effect of treatment.
Cut or shave your hair
Hair loss due to cancer treatment can be less obvious if you cut your hair short or shave it completely. Some people also find this more comfortable. It can also make it easier to fit headwear such as a wig. If you have a beard or moustache, you could also shave these this can help you get used to having less hair and heighten your sense of control over the situation.
Covering your hair loss
There are lots of headwear options available. We outline some popular choices below.
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So Glad To Have Found You
I know of one other person who has exact same NHL as me: Follicular Low-Grade B-Cell Indolent NHL Stage 4a. She is a ten-year survivor – started with CHOP and it kept coming back, then 4.5 years ago took Rituxan and has been in remission every since. I was my doctor’s first Rituxan/Treanda patient DX 3/15/10 and after 4 rounds of chemo everything was clear “no activity”. then finished up with 4 rounds of weekly Rituxan August 2010 to ensure a 10 year remission he said. so I’m hopeful.
http://lifeisgood2010.wordpress.com/I blogged my journey if anyone would like to read it and post here if it’s similar to what you are/have/had experienced. feel free to post on my blog as well
Here’s a recent video that was made in the UK Nov 2010 as Treanda was just approved there – very optimistic video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEDNldZeYfE& feature=related
Good luck tomorrow Fran! I will keep you and everyone else on this string in my prayers.Life is still pretty darn Good!=)
Is Rituxan Used For Ra
Rituxan is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis , as well as other conditions. To learn about how its used for RA, read on. And to learn about the other conditions its used for, see the Is Rituxan used for other conditions? section just below.
RA is an autoimmune disease. With this condition, your immune system attacks your own body. Symptoms of RA can include joint swelling, stiffness, and pain.
Rituxan is used in adults with RA thats moderate to severe and is currently causing symptoms . Moderate to severe means the RA has affected cartilage.
Rituxan is given for RA thats been treated in the past with a drug called a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor. And for RA, Rituxan is used together with methotrexate .
Rituxan is a form of immunotherapy. It works by attaching to a protein on certain immune cells that are overactive in people with RA.
In addition to treating rheumatoid arthritis , which is described directly above, Rituxan is also used for other conditions.
Specifically, Rituxan is also used treat:
- doxorubicin
- other drugs called anthracycline drugs
Rituxan is a form of immunotherapy. When its used to treat:
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Questions About Receiving Rituxan
Here are answers to some questions related to receiving Rituxan.
- What if I miss a dose of Rituxan? If you miss an appointment to get your Rituxan infusion, call your doctors office right away to reschedule. And check with your doctor about whether a missed dose will affect your usual dosing schedule.
- Will I need to use Rituxan long term? The length of time youll use Rituxan depends on the condition youre using the drug to treat. In some cases, you may only receive up to 16 doses of the drug. Talk with your doctor about the length of time you should expect to use Rituxan.
- How long does Rituxan take to work? Rituxan begins working right away after your first dose is given. But, for conditions such as cancer, you may not notice the drug working in your body. Your doctor will monitor you periodically to make sure its working. Talk with your doctor about how theyll monitor your condition during Rituxan treatment.
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors, such as what your insurance plan covers. The cost of Rituxan treatment also include fees to receive doses of the drug at a clinic, doctors office, or hospital.
To find current prices for Rituxan in your area, visit WellRx.com.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Rituxan manufacturers website to see if they have support options.
Does Rituxan Make You Lose Weight
4.4/5Rituxanweight loss
Check with your doctor right away if you have bloody urine, a decrease in frequency or amount of urine, an increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, troubled breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight
Beside above, does Rituxan cause fatigue? Mild nausea may occur. 3. Some patients may feel very tired, also known as fatigue. You may need to rest or take naps more often.
Similarly, it is asked, what does Rituxan do to your body?
Rituximab is used to treat certain types of cancer . It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Some brands of rituximab are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and can decrease joint pain and swelling.
How long does Rituxan take to work?
Rituximab works by lowering the activity of these B-cells, to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. If rituximab works for you, you’ll probably start to feel better after around six weeks.
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