weight gain with rituximab

Hello Simon,

I have had rituximab as well and have gained about 2 stone aswell. This is very normal for Lymphoma treatments. Also the gassy part. This will go away after a while, don't worry. How long is it since you finished treatment? 

I haven't lost anything yet and sounds like it will be challenging. But we will get there. 

Hi ducthie

thanks for the reply I have waldenstroms macroglobulinemia or WM for short I was diagnosed in may 2017 and was on watch and wait until my symptoms became worse in november 2017 I was put on cycle of six infusions of bendamustin & rituximab it has taken my markers right back although the tiredness has come back  and I have pains in the top of my legs with little strength getting up or down I have like I said put on approximately 2 stone but it seems impossible to shift at the moment  all around my mid region

Kind regards

Simon

Sorry I finished treatment 25th of April last year

and was told that the treatment would be in my system working for at least 18mounths

regrads

Simon

Also glad to here you are cancer free

stay well

Kind regards

Simon

Hi

Is it dexamethasone the steroid they give that might have caused weight gain? I put a stone on took 12 months to shift strict diet, I always eat healthy but during treatment eat anything that kept my weight up!

Chris

Hi Chris

I had hydrocortisone injections with the rituximab but had to have 2 every infusion as i had

bad reactions to the rituximab

Regards

Simon

Hello,

I was on RCHOP for 6 cycles, and started R maintenance treatment in January (for 2 years).  I have put on about 30 pounds since the beginning of RCHOP to now.  Prior to treatment I was extremely sporty, active, fit and slim.  Now none of my clothes fit and it is difficult to shed to pounds as exercise is problematic (with achy muscles and joints). 

I have read a lot of blogs where ppl on the same treatment (RCHOP) has complained of weight gain, some from American websites.  It is possible to lose weight but it will take more time and commitment than usual - this is borne out by what other ppl have reported.  I have lost only 2 pounds in 2 months, which is ludicrously slow and not a reflection of the exercise and diet regime.  But I consider this to be understandable - our bodies have been through hell with treatment, continue to battle with R maintenance, and so are not happy with any more change, even if that is weight loss change.

Be patient and keep working on it.

x 

I had a course of rituximab last April..I put the weight gain down to the heavy steroid support before during and after the treatment. I too have most of the additional weight around midriff..I didn't have any chemo with the rituximab ..my other thought was since retiring I don't tend to race around as much .But certainly not a couch potato ...I cannot remember consultant advising me that the rituximab  would cause weight gain .