What is Rituxan?
Rituxan, a cancer drug, interferes with cancer cell growth and spread in the body. It can also be used to treat non-cancer conditions.
Rituxan is administered intravenously (IV) by a health care professional. It is a prescription drug that can be used either alone or with other medications to treat:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic leukemia are both cancers that affect adults.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (a rare disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, other tissues, and organs in the body) in adults and children older than 2 years;
- Pemphigus vulnificus is a severe autoimmune disorder that leads to blisters, skin breakdown, and mucous membrane breakdown in adults.
Warnings
Rituxan can cause a serious infection of the brain that may lead to death or disability. If you experience problems with your speech, thinking, vision, or muscle movements, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms can start slowly and then get worse very quickly. Inform your doctor if this condition has ever occurred. Rituxan may cause this condition or a recurrence to occur. Skin problems of severe severity can also develop during the treatment with Rituxan. If you experience painful mouth or skin sores or a severe rash that is blistering, peeling, or has pus, call your doctor. Some side effects can occur during or 24 hours after the infusion. Inform your caregiver immediately in case you experience chest pain, fluttering or pounding of your heart, or feel dizzy, lightheaded, weak, or short of breath. Avoid contacting anyone who recently received a “live” vaccine. You could contract the virus. Live vaccines are available for measles (chickenpox), rubella (MMR), yellow fever (typhoid), varicella, zoster, and influenza (nasal flu).
Before you take this drug
Rituxan can cause a severe brain infection, which may lead to death or disability. This infection is more likely to occur if you've used an immune-suppressant in the past or received Rituxan along with a stem cell donation.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:
- If you have liver disease, hepatitis, or are a carrier for hepatitis B,
- Kidney disease
- Lung disease or a breathing disorder;
- A weak immune system, caused by illness or certain medications.
- An infection such as herpes, shingles, or cytomegalovirus. The chicken pox.
- Heart disease, angina, or heart rhythm disorder
- If you've used rituximab before or if you've had an allergic reaction to it,
Before starting Rituxan treatment, you should ensure that all necessary immunizations are up to date. Inform your doctor of any vaccinations you or a child who is receiving Rituxan have had within the last 4 weeks. Do not use Rituxan while pregnant. This could harm your unborn child. Use birth control during treatment and for 12 months following your last dose. Do not breastfeed your baby for at least six months after you have taken this medication. You should use birth control while taking Rituxan and for 12 months following your last dose.
How to take Rituxan?
Rituxan can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Rituxan is only prescribed if you are free of any conditions that could prevent you from using it safely. Rituxan does not need to be taken every day. The schedule you follow will vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Make sure that you follow all instructions from your physician. You may receive other medications before each injection to help prevent side effects. Medical tests will be required frequently. Rituxan may cause the virus to be active again or worsen if you have ever had hepatitis B. You may require frequent liver function testing while taking this medication and for a few months after stopping. Tell your surgeon, if you plan to have surgery, that you're taking this medication.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget your Rituxan appointment, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
You should not receive "live" vaccinations while taking rituximab. Otherwise, you may develop a serious illness. Live vaccines are available for measles (chickenpox), rubella (MMR), yellow fever, rotavirus (typhoid), varicella, zoster, and influenza (influenza).
Side effects of Rituxan
If you experience any of the following: (hives) (burning eyes, skin pains, hives, or difficulty breathing), or a severe reaction (fever, sore mouth, blistered skin, or burning eyes), or a severe reaction (fever or skin rash, with blistering or peeling). Some side effects can occur immediately after the injection or within 24 hours. You should tell your caregiver if you experience any of the following symptoms: itchiness, weakness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, wheezing or sudden coughing, or if you notice hives or a rash.
If you experience any of these symptoms (which can start slowly and worsen quickly), call your doctor immediately.
- You may experience confusion, memory issues, or any other mental changes.
- You may experience weakness on one side.
- Vision changes
- Speech or walking problems.
Rituxan may cause other serious side effects, including infection, heart attack, or other heart problems. Kidney failure, and intestinal blockage or damage. Speak to your doctor regarding your risk. If you experience any of the other side effects listed below, call your doctor immediately, even if it is several months after receiving Rituxan or after your treatment has ended.
- A severe skin rash that is blistering, peeling, or has pus
- Redness, warmth, or swelling of the skin
- Constipation or bloody or tarry stool;
- If you experience chest pain, pressure, or irregular heartbeats, or if the pain spreads to your shoulder or jaw, this is a sign.
- Tiredness or jaundice
- Signs and symptoms of infection: fever, chills or colds or flu symptoms; cough, sore mouth, sore throat, or sores on the lips; headaches, earaches; or pain or burning while urinating.
- Signs and symptoms of tumor cell breakdown: confusion, muscle cramps or weakness, nausea or vomiting, rapid or slow heartbeat, decreased urination, or tingling around the mouth or hands.
Rituxan may cause side effects such as:
- Low white and red blood cell count (fever, chills or body aches, paleness, infections, fatigue, etc.);
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- Headache, weakness;
- Painful urination
- Muscle spasms
- Depressed mood
- Cold symptoms like stuffy noses, sneezing, and sore throats.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Medicines to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, or psoriasis include adalimumab (or other similar drugs), certolizumab (or other similar drugs), etanercept (or golimumab), infliximab (or another drug), leflunomide methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and tocilizuma.
- Chemotherapy drugs, particularly cisplatin
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with Rituximab. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
