Starting Rituxan July 13th

Pretty nervous about this but have high hopes too.  I am starting to feel that there may be slight improvements with the meds I am currently on.  Finally off of steroids again hopefully for longer.  It has been 2 weeks so were are doing pretty well.  Still need an antiinflammatory, tylenol, and occassional ultram but better than I had been.  Starting into a flare but it seems to be very slowly progressing this time instead of like before.  Having issues with the sun lately.  I think I am allergic to it or something.  Break out in a rash everywhere after just a short time in the sun.  This stinks too since I used to like it.  I really hope the Rituxan is My Drug if you know what I mean.  Still taking Arava and methotrexate and will be continuing with this.  I don't like the idea of being in the Dr.s office for 8 hours each time but at least it is only two times in 6 months so I guess I can live with that especially if it works.  The side effects are making me nervous seem worse than the Enbrel and Humira.  Ick.  Hopefully, I just won't have any issues.  Will have Friday and Saturday off from work to recover and then in two weeks do the same thing.  So that is good especially since i am usually off on Sunday's anyway.  Please everyone keep your fingers crossed that 1) there are no major adverse events and 2) that it really works.... I soooo need this...

Theresa

Theresa, I found this information about METHOTREXATE at drugs.com:

What should I avoid while taking methotrexate?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds), especially if you are being treated for psoriasis. Methotrexate can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and your psoriasis may worsen.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking methotrexate.

What are the possible side effects of methotrexate?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using methotrexate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
dry cough, shortness of breath;

diarrhea, vomiting, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

blood in your urine or stools;

urinating less than usual or not at all;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

sore throat and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness; or

nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Keep using methotrexate and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;

dizziness, tired feeling;

headache; bleeding of your gums; or blurred vision.

Good luck with Rituxan, hope you have an excellent result with it.

-Jem

Post Edited (Jemima Puddleduck) : 6/18/2007 10:43:40 AM (GMT-6)