Description
Rituxan (rituximab) is a medication used to treat certain types of conditions, including:
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis
- Pemphigus vulgaris
Rituxan is prescribed to be administered as an intravenous infusion.
Directions
Your healthcare provider will determine an appropriate treatment regimen for you based on your age, weight, medical conditions, and reason for needing Rituxan.
Your healthcare provider will administer Rituxan as an intravenous infusion.
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider.
Ingredients
Rituximab is the active ingredient in Rituxan. Inactive ingredients include polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, sodium citrate dihydrate, and water for injection, USP.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications, or reasons why a person cannot receive Rituxan, per the most recent Prescribing Information. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider regarding an appropriate treatment regimen.
Cautions
- Rituxan contains the following FDA Boxed Warning:
- Infusion-related reactions that can result in death within 24 hours of receiving Rituxan. Patients should be monitored and Rituxan should be stopped in cases of severe reactions.
- Severe, and sometimes fatal, mucocutaneous reactions.
- Hepatitis B reactivation that may lead to fulminant hepatitis, liver failure, and death.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy that can lead to death.
- Before you begin treatment with Rituxan, consult your healthcare provider about:
- All the prescription and nonprescription medications you take
- Your allergies
- Your current health problems and past medical history
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- The following may occur with Rituxan use:
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Infections
- Potentially serious or life-threatening heart events
- Kidney problems
- Bowel obstruction and perforation
- Patients should avoid live vaccines before and during treatment with Rituxan.
- Rituxan can cause harm to an unborn baby. Effective birth control methods are advised.
Side Effects
Fever, infusion-related reactions, abnormal white blood cell counts, chills, infection, weakness, redness and swelling inside the mouth, sepsis, infections, diarrhea, nausea, and headache are some common Rituxan side effects. Other side effects may also occur, so inform your healthcare provider right away if you are experiencing side effects that worry or won’t go away.
Ask your healthcare provider about Rituxan infusion.
Reference
- Rituxan. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc.; 2021.
About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)
Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 14389