Rituxin/Dex

I 'm about to start Dr Bussels protocol for Rituxin x4 (one week apart infusions) with Dex 40 mg for four days , this will be repeated 3 times....week 1, 3 and one week after week 4 .
A couple of questions:
1. My platelets dropped to 11k and my hemo felt it was necessary to start Dex before the Rituxin which will be 3 days after I finish the Dex. If I follow with Dr Bussels protocol, it there an issue starting the Dex a little early??
2. If anyone has done this protocol, how did you feel with all of this medication in your system?
3 . My hemo is not familiar with this protocol but is willing to put me on the regime as I had a consult with
H Liebman who recommended this.
Yes, I was tested for the JC virus and am neg and I am all up to date will immunizations.
I have be told to take Zertec prior to infusions, any suggestions will be appreciated. And I take Prilosac when on Dex.
Thank you support group!

I did the Dex dose the same week as my Rituxan; a couple of days before. I'm not sure of the dose of the Dex though. My Rituxan treatments were on Fridays and I took the Dex on Tuesdays, if I remember correctly.

How did you feel during the month of infusions?

KD:
Barring any rare side effects, most people feel fine after Rituxan. I worked the day after the infusions and every day except infusion days. Dex will also help with any Rituxan side effects, but you will probably have side effects from that one. It is a horrible drug and coming off can make you feel like crap for a few days. It's a very potent steroid and withdrawal is tough.

I was told I needed someone with me over the first 24 hours, but I really didn't need it. I was fine with all 4 infusions.

Here in the UK we take our Rituximab neat!. It would be interesting to know why some combine Rituximab with Dex , Ivig etc.

I had really stressed myself out mentally from all the reading regarding the very rare but severe side affects. So let me stress they are very rare. Rituximab is a surprisingly safe option. During the infusion if you feel pins or needles then inform your doctor as you might require additional medication to counteract the effects of ritxuimab during the infusion.

So take plenty of reading material and enjoy a pretty uneventful day

I have taken Rituxin twice. First time was December 2016, the second time was September this year. The only issue I had was during the very first infusion. My throat felt itchy, like an allergy attack. They gave me another dose of Benadryl and paused the infusion for 30 minutes. After that all was good. The first time I had no response, second round was given after removing my spleen. I have had normal counts since early October. Can't say for sure what has done the job, but I think it's the combination that helped me.

I don't think Rituxan is exactly 'safe'...it's a pretty heavy duty treatment. Side effects are rare, but I got hit with a nasty one.
Rituxan is sometimes used with Dex because studies have shown that the combination raises the chances of remission.

I just finished my 3rd round of Rituxan in 10yrs. I was pretreated with IV benadryl and tylenol. I had a reaction during the 1st infusion of the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Symptoms were, tightness in chest, chills, increased heart rate, short of breath. Infusion was stopped to treat reaction. Infusion restarted once reaction cleared. No further issues. I was never tested for the JC virus.