Reaction to Rituxan
A reader who earlier has taken 8 rounds of Rituxan is currently taking it as maintenance therapy. She had no adverse reaction until just recently and wondered why this occurred after taking the drug several times. I don't know the answer. From what I understand, most adverse reactions occur during the first treatment. In fact, during my first Rituxan treatment, I experienced chills and fevers. The treatment had to be stopped while other drugs were given to counteract the reaction. Rituxan also made my eyes itch terribly during the entire time I took it. My contact lenses sat patiently in their case.
A doctor could perhaps answer the reader's question better than I. Another source may be Rituxan's website at www.rituxan.com.
In regard to maintenance therapy in general, no one, to my knowledge, has asked or answered what happens when Rituxan is no longer effective. Since it is part of the Zevalin treatment regimen, what will happen if patients no longer respond to Rituxan? Does that mean that Zevalin will not be an option? Given a choice between extended treatment, i.e., maintenance therapy, or a one week treatment with proven success, i.e., radioimmunotherapy, I personally would opt for the latter because I'm uncomfortable with the unanswered questions about the long term use of maintenance therapy.
Betsy
Comments
thank you and help us with more informations to people in your shoes.
Really you are great
Posted by: halebid swamy | December 16, 2006 11:01 AM
Is 'Rituxan' Rituximab (also known as MabThera)? I was recommended it with Fludara (Fludarabine Phosphate) for NHL, specifically SLL/CLL. It appeared more effective than CHOP treatment (in my case, that was), & the ICE (I think), too. Both previous treatments caused hair to drop, mouth & throat ulcers, aches, and couple of other miseries. Do you think it (Rituximab & Fludara) ok as treatment for SLL/CLL?
Posted by: Lee Thong, David Ong | December 16, 2006 12:25 PM