Can Rituximab work in patients with no known autoimmunity?

[Gingergrrl]

I am having 5 hour long rituxan infusion this week and the second in two weeks. Next infususions scheduled for September.

Do you know why there would be a six month interval between your second and third dose? What I am in the middle of (the autoimmune protocol) has a three month interval between all doses (except for the first two which are given two weeks apart like you will be doing). I am afraid by six months, your B cell will already be growing back. Is the goal to keep your B cells at zero?

Also, and I do not know if this pertains to you, but I do the Ritux infusions over an 8-9 hour period to be extra safe re: potential allergic reactions, to avoid fluid overload, etc. So far, I have not had any problems and just wanted to mention it (although most people would do just fine with a five hour infusion speed and I am abnormal in this way).

 

[Desertstorm]

Do you know why there would be a six month interval between your second and third dose? What I am in the middle of (the autoimmune protocol) has a three month interval between all doses (except for the first two which are given two weeks apart like you will be doing). I am afraid by six months, your B cell will already be growing back. Is the goal to keep your B cells at zero?

Also, and I do not know if this pertains to you, but I do the Ritux infusions over an 8-9 hour period to be extra safe re: potential allergic reactions, to avoid fluid overload, etc. So far, I have not had any problems and just wanted to mention it (although most people would do just fine with a five hour infusion speed and I am abnormal in this way).

Not sure. Just the protocol my Doc uses for RA which he feels comfortable with I guess. The goal is not to take B cells to zero but to reduce the count at a certain stage of development. Obviously we are going to monitor everything over the next few months. Even if it only works on the immune system and I can get off of steroids I will be pleased. As for the fatigue fingers crossed.

We don't have many docs in MOntana who even subscribe to ME/CFS as real or at least will dare broach the subject. I do have a PC DC who about to retire who does believe us.

My infusion was delayed today because they caught a potential allergy problem with methyprednisolone used in the pre infusion protocol and the doc was not in town to make the changes.

Thanks for your input Btw.