Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

Update

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Sharmin:
The rituximab yesterday went well - he is in today and tomorrow for 2 small transfusions.  We will be back in Oakland on Tuesday - and we're beginning Exjade on Wednesday. We hope that they do not find any iron in his heart when they do the MRI.  We'll be speaking to Dr. Vichinsky again and we hope to bring back more valuable information for all of you.

The rituximab should be complete in two weeks so he should stop making new antibodies soon, the old antibodies - which are still circulating in his blood may take some time to disappear.  We hope to see the effect of all of this soon in terms of decreased transfusion frequency and lower iron levels. 

I don't know if other families who have antibodies have discussed this method with their health care providers - but I will keep you posted on our progress. 

Sharmin

Sharmin:
Also, Andy the write up with Rituximab states that vitamin supplements such as vitamin e are to be avoided with rituximab. 
I have given him any vitamins since we began treatment.  I wonder if this applies only during the time he is getting ritux (next few weeks) or if it applies for an extended period of time after.  Are you aware?  Thanks Andy.
 
Sharmin

Andy Battaglia:
Rituxan is a powerful drug with many side effects. It is best to avoid mixing it with other drugs unless your doctor approves it in advance. The same goes for all supplements. Unless approved by the doctor, do not take anything else during the course of treatment.

http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=401bb2b1-70d7-495f-8b8c-e81da9e6916c&chunkiid=209320


--- Quote ---Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
--- End quote ---

Ask Dr Vichinsky when it will be safe to resume his normal course of supplementation once he is done with the rituxan therapy.

Sharmin:
Andy,

We are still giving him 250mg of vitamin C  - which we give him 1/2 hour after beginning desferal.  Should we hold back the vit C as well?  or is it mostly supplements such as vit E, garlic, aspirin b/c of their blood thinning qualities?  Today is the last day that we give him desferal until after he begins Exjade on Wednesday.  We will be talking to Dr. Vichinsky before he resumes desferal. 

Thanks for the information Andy,

Sharmin

Andy Battaglia:
Vitamin C is not a blood thinner and is also a water soluble vitamin, which washes through the body rather quickly. It is a very simple vitamin and one in which there is no difference between natural and synthetic. The body cannot manufacture its own vitamin C, so it must be obtained either through diet or supplements. 250 mg is not a high dose. This is safe would pose no problems.

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