Rituximab subcutaneous injection - allergic reaction?

Hi and welcome to the Community.

I did have Rituximab as part of my R-EPOCH but my Lymphoma was a skin Lymphoma and required a slow burn hit so my Rituximab was IV over 96hrs x 6 cycles and I had no reactions.

Lets see if some of the FL folks have had any reactions like yourself. It goes without saying that you will have reported this to your team and they have given you some guidance. 

Thanks thehighlander. Yes, I have reported it to my team, who are very good, they just said to put some hydrocortisone on it, which hasn't seemed to work. I'm worried as I am supposed to be having this injection for 2 years' maintenance once I've completed my 6 cycles, but am hoping this isn't going to happen each time. Or will I have to go back to iv? Thanks. 

If a slow IV works then it is a way forward.

Make sure you highlight that the Hydrocortisone his not working as there other creams that can be used.

Hi,

I had the same injections as you, they tried 2 times in my legs and 1 time in my stomach.  Each time i had a reaction to the Rhituximab.  I now have it in the iv form.   1 year down and 1 more year for me doing the maintenance.  

Definately the better way to go.  

Hi  and welcome to this corner of Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us.

Well done you being one year down the road and that your R is behaving.

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All the very best.

Thanks Yorkshire lass, that's good news as I didn't think one could get the maintenance via iv, thought it was injection only. I've had an email from my team this morning saying that I will go back to the iv next time, which is a little disappointing in terms of it takes much longer, but I'm quite glad that I don't have to go through this severe discomfort again. Thanks for the message, great to hear from someone going through something similar, and glad things are progressing well for you. 

Hi Harveyjunior 

I too have FNHL and had R-Chop chemo with the R via IV - you didn't mention which chemo regime you are having? Im a little surprised that they have given you subcutaneous injection on only your 2nd treatment.

I am now 9 treatments in of Rituximab immunotherapy which I have by subcutaneous injection in my stomach. Always it has taken 5 minutes and I've never had any issues until the one just gone. The nurse was one I hadn't seen before and she took only 2 minutes. I then had a rash (not as bad as yours) for a week. I have no residual problems from it.

It might be worth insisting on them taking the full 5 minutes which is the recommended protocol on your next treatment.

Good luck with your treatment. 

Best Wishes 

Tina 

Same as me but my team always take around 10 mins to give me the injection in my stomach and insist I stay after for minimum of 15 mins 

Only had 2 treatments last one last week but thus far no problems at all, not rushing the injection is so I'm told is the best way to hopefully avoid problems

As Tina says speak to your team about taking a little longer it may well help

Thank you Fred and Tina.. That is good advice and I will have a chat with my team. Many thanks for your responses, much appreciated. 

Hi 

I had all my R-CHOP and 2 years' Rituximab maintenance via IV - was never offered the injection.  This could be because I had a bad reaction on my first R-CHOP and they had to stop the R and start administering it again, very slowly.  

Jan