I am an oncology RN and I am very familiar with administering Rituxan for lymphomas and the like. We adninister steroids and tylenol to prevent "allergic responses" to medication (fevers, chills, rashes drop in blood pressure) We monitor blood pressure qauite frequently every 1/2 hour or hour before adjusting rate of medication. We slow the infusion if any allergic responses develop. Therefore it can take 3-12 hours to infuse depending on how the patient tolerates. You should not take any blood pressure medication before receiving Rituxan. I dont know how it affects MG patients though and have never received it myself.

I got my first Rituxan infusion this past Friday. All went well during the infusion with a couple of side effects, itching of the scalp and intense sweating during the infusion. The infusion was stopped for a bit and I was given benadryl and then re-started. All went well and it took 4 hours. I did real well when I got home with only chills late in the night, but they went away. No other side effects like with the IVIG. I used to be nauseated all weekend long after a Friday infusion, but not so with Rituxan. I have noticed that I don't have the immediate strength like the IVIG provided though. The nurse said that the Rituxan should provide strength after a couple of infusions. I go for the next 3 or 4 weeks for infusions. We shall see. I will let everyone know how it goes!

Wow Simon - almost a year to the day since you first posted about Rituxan! I'm so sorry that it has taken this long for you get the 'go-ahead'.

But it's so good to hear from you - and I hope this is the medication that will make the difference you have been looking for.

Pls keep us in the loop as you can during your next infusions. I'm sure there are some folks here who have (or are) considering Rituxan.

Take care - hope you feel stronger soon!