I start IVIG

[Lazarus]

Is the Rituxan temporary too? If you stopped it would all the pre Rituxan symptoms return?

Your question is exactly my question. So far it does wear off but I would say that it wears off more slowly than the IVIG...
So I was getting infusions of rituximab every 7 to 8 months. Now I hope we stick to the 6 month protocol which is the usual routine that they give at UMass Worcester MS clinic. That's all I know.

I do know that I am very lucky. MY body seems to love all the drugs I have taken for MS. In the last 3 years I have had some dramatic setback episodes that landed me in the hospital for days but I recover quickly enough and get back all my strengths. Perhaps I get careless and overdo because I feel so great after infusions. Imagine feeling so much better that you forget about limitations for a while!

[SalpalSally]

Way to go Linda...yeaaaaaaa!

[Virginia]

Linda, so happy for you. Wonderful news!

[SuzE-Q]

Not sure if this has been posted before:

Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2016 Feb 23;30:336. eCollection 2016.

Safety and effectiveness assessment of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis.

Olyaeemanesh A1, Rahmani M2, Goudarzi R3, Rahimdel A4.

Abstract
BACKGROUND:

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an established treatment of immune mediated demyelinating neuropathy including Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Recent trials suggest its efficacy in treating relapsing- remitting multiple sclerosis.

IVIG exerts a number of effects, which may be beneficial in treating multiple sclerosis (MS): Reduction of inflammation, inhibition of macrophages, and promotion of remyelination.

The aim of this study was to provide an overall assessment of the existing trials of safety and effectiveness of IVIG in relapsing- remitting MS compared to other drugs currently available for the treatment of disease activity in MS.

METHODS:
A systematic search strategy was applied to MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid Medline (1990- Nov 2014)), Cochrane Library 2014, and Trip Database 2014, CRD. The reference lists from the identified trials, MS clinical handbooks and guidelines for the use of IVIG were studied. This article was conducted without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials of IVIG in MS were selected.

Sixteen double-blinded trails were randomly selected. Ten trials were excluded and we performed a meta-analysis on the six trials (537 participants) of IVIG in comparison to placebo. The methodological quality of the trials was assessed using Jadad checklist.

RESULTS:
The meta-analysis showed a significant beneficial effect on proportion of relapse-free patients (OR: 1.693; 95% CI-1.205-2.380), on the proportion of patients who improved (OR:2.977; 95% CI 1.769-5.010; p=0.0001) and deteriorated (OR:0.522; 95% CI0.330-0.827; p=0.006) between placebo and IVIG-treated patients. In addition, there was a reduction in the annual relapse rate in the IVIG group compared to placebo, which was statistically significant (SMD=-0.218; 95% CI-0.412 to -0.024; p=0.028). The results of the meta-analysis did not show significant differences between Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) changes from baseline (SMD,-0.025; 95% CI,-0.211 to 0.161; p=0.860).

CONCLUSION:
IVIG can be considered as an alternative therapeutic option, second-line therapy or adjuvant therapy, considering its beneficial effects (high tolerance, need to be injected with longer intervals, etc.) for treating relapsing-remitting MS patients

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

[SalpalSally]

Promotion of re myelanation is sure a big one here!

[Virginia]

Thanks Suze for posting this. The more information I have when I go see my Neuro the better.

[Sunshine]

Thanks Suze. It's very encouraging.

Keep us posted Virginia.

[Sunshine]

Tomorrow will be my 4th infusion.

I accidentally discovered the infusion should be done over the course of four hours. They have been doing it over 2 1/2 hours. So tomorrow I will remind the nurse that neuro ordered a four hour infusion. Hoping it won't screw things up. I think the slower infusions are to prevent side effects.

[Virginia]

BBS, looking forward to another update and hoping for a great outcome.

[Lazarus]

Tomorrow will be my 4th infusion.

I accidentally discovered the infusion should be done over the course of four hours. They have been doing it over 2 1/2 hours. So tomorrow I will remind the nurse that neuro ordered a four hour infusion. Hoping it won't screw things up. I think the slower infusions are to prevent side effects.

My infusions started at a slow speed and then were ramped up as they went along. After many years we just started at 200 and went straight through because I could handle it. Yes, the control of speed is to control any reaction someone might have. Glad you are having a positive experience.

[Sunshine]

It went well today, 10-15 minutes shy of the four hours. So far, it is uneventful. The first time I got cold, couldn't warm up. The secon and third time I felt punk like I used to feel with Avonex. This time I feel no side effects.
Yay!

It's a well run place. Patient getting chemo next to me had an allergic reaction. Five RNs were quickly helping him and an MD was on the floor within 5-10 minutes. Guy is fine now.

[Virginia]

BBS, let us know how you have done this week?

[Sunshine]

I have more energy. I can feel the coldness of the floor. But my walking is no better, nor is the cramping. I wonder if it's a What You.see.is What you get thing, or whether I may still see more improvement after future infusions,

[Virginia]

Didn't you have a couple of weeks when walking was better?

[SalpalSally]

I hope so too BBS! For more improvements!