Question
I have RA/Lupus/Sjogren’s. A year ago I received Rituxan with good results. My symptoms are beginning to return. Recently, my husband died and I am more emotional than normal. I am concerned about receiving prednisone again as it affects my moods. Does Prednisone always have to be given with Rituxan? I had no problems with the infusions last year.
Answer
IV solumedrol (a steroid preparation similar to prednisone) should be given at the time of infusion to prevent infusion reactions. Oral prednisone (given in the earlier studies) does not need to be given.
