Rituximab maintenance & breathlessness

Hi again Liz  and a good question.

I had Rituxitmab as part of my R-EPOCH (not maintenance) and was on it for over 90 hours at a time 24/7 on each of my 6 cycles...... did it gave me breathing issues?....... well maybe, but I also have Asbestosis so my breathing was compromised already.

The link above about Rituxitmab says this:

Effects on the lungs

This treatment can cause changes to the lungs. Tell your doctor if you develop: 

• a cough
• wheezing
• a fever (high temperature)
• breathlessness.

You should also tell them if any existing breathing problems get worse. You may have tests to check your lungs.

Lets see if some of the others come along as my example does not give you real information.

((hugs))

Thanks Mike

I was quite surprised the haematologist dismissed it immediately because I have lung disease, when there is quite a lot about it on the internet. 

Which is why I’m very interested to see if any forum members have had the same issues. 

So far I’ve had 9 out of 12 injections and the haematologist said I can stop the treatment now as I’m otherwise in good health?!?! Mmm so why stop them if they’re not contributing to the breathlessness, although I’m happy they’ve stopped. 

Take care Mike

Best wishes

Liz

Hi again Liz.

Good to hear that you can now stop your treatment and move on with life.

I was thinking about your question again and checked back my notes......just before your reply came in.

When I was first diagnosed with Asbestosis...... just over a year before my R-EPOCH I had a few Lung Function tests....... I then had Lung Function tests before each of my two Stem Cell Transplants and it looks like that my Lung Function had reduced by about 5%.......... even after my two Stem Cell Transplants my Lung Function was still the same....5% below my levels before 'R'..... so my answers may have to be yes to this having an effect on your Lung Function.

((hugs)) 

Hey Mike

I have Fibrosis and prior to treatment had no issues with the disease. I could walk for miles, run up & down stairs etc. While on the chemo with Rituximab and the steroids I still had no issues with breathing, it only started when I started getting the injections and had progressively gotten worse over the past 16 months. I think there is a connection and it’s not great. 

Apparently the injection takes 4 months to leave your system, I had my last shot on 16 October so I’m hoping by February things may start improving, however, it may just be wishful thinking on my part ;) x

Let’s look for this to improve once the 4 months is over

((hugs))

Hi Liz, I had a period of breathlessness post my rchop and ended up on medication for a while - ramipril - I also had an echo-cardiogram and whilst I got mixed messages, when I look back I wonder if it was the doxirubicin as it takes over 2 years to get all the drugs out of your system post a treatment like that. The haematologist was little help and I got similar replies to you and somehow it seemed to clear itself and my echo-cardiograms got better, so I wonder if yours is similar and as you think treatment linked and whether it will sort itself out as did mine. 

Fingers crossed it does

John 

Hi John

Thank you for your response. I’m happy your issues resolved themselves and definitely fingers crossed that mine do too. 

I truly feel that the Rituximab has played a big part in this but I guess I just have to be patient and see how things go. 

Take care

Liz x

Update - respiratory team have taken over. My oxygen levels are very low so have portable oxygen. However tomorrow I’m being admitted for tests: ct scan/X-ray/bloods. Consultant feels there is a connection with the Rituximab as my condition has got worse rapidly. Anyway, I’ll keep you updated as and when I know anything more. 

Best wishes

Liz

Thanks for the update Liz, lets look for Respiratory to move this forward in a positive way for you ((hugs))

Liz hope you get some answers and this is resolved quickly

John