I have been getting a number of Rituxan infusions for my low platelets. I get one infusion a week. I will be getting the 8th and final one tomorrow. Has anyone else had this therapy to combat low platelets? If so, was it successful? Since starting this therapy my platelets have been up and down. Two weeks ago, they were 77. Last week they dropped to 72.

Normal range for platelets is between 149-400.

I had to look up these infusions, My doctor wanted to put me on infusions for RA, gave me a stack of possible infusion types to see what they do, Rituxan was probably one of them...

After reading the side effects, including possible cancers, and the cost, which was mostly not paid by Medicare, I decided not to do any of them....I was annoyed cause he claimed hydroxychoriquin, which is usually tried for RA and is dirt cheap, wasn't strong enough, even though my RA wasn't severe...finds out he administers the infusions in his office so it was a big money maker for him!....

That's my only experience with infusions, I hope they work for you and the side effects are mild....

Had the results of last weeks infusion. Platelets continue to drop from 72 to 47. Meet with the hematologist next Wednesday to see what else they can try. If she can't come up with a better plan, may see about a trip to Mayo.

I dont think its something I would wait on or mess around with.

Do they have any idea whats causing the low platelet level?Are you already on any medications?Certain medications can cause it.Also ,liver issues.

I’m on rituxan infusions twice a year for an autoimmune disease called vasculitis. My insurance pays for a bunch of it and if you look online for the makers of rituxan, Genentech I think it is, they have a program that pays you back for your copay out of pocket. So it basically costs me nothing.

I had a bunch of that drug during my lymphoma treatments, along with lots of other drugs...it's all kinda a blur now.