What is Rituximab?
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. It works by killing cancerous cells and is used for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic lymphoma. Some rituximab brands are also used to treat rheumatoid, granulomatosis, and polyangiitis, as well as microscopic polyangiitis and pemphigus. They do this by blocking the activity that can damage joints, blood vessels, and veins. Adults can use Rituximab alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancerous condition that starts in white blood cells (which normally fight infection). Adults can also be treated with Rituximab and other medications for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a cancerous condition of the white cells. Rituximab is used to treat the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults. Rituximab is used to treat Wegener's granulomatosis and microscopical polyangiitis in adults, children, and adolescents aged 2 and older. Rituximab (Rituxan) is used for the treatment of pemphigus (a skin condition that results in painful blisters on the inner linings of the mouth, nose, and throat).
Warnings
It is possible that rituximab can cause a severe brain infection, which could 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. This condition can worsen or return if you take Rituximab. Serious skin problems may also develop during treatment with rituximab. 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 immediately after the injection or even during it. Inform your caregiver immediately in case you experience chest pain, wheezing, or a sudden cough.
Before you take this drug
The use of rituximab can cause a severe brain infection, which may lead to death or disability. If you've used immunosuppressive drugs in the past or received rituximab along with a stem-cell transplant, this infection is more likely to occur.
Tell your doctor if you've ever:
- If you have liver disease, hepatitis, or are a hepatitis B carrier,
- An infection such as herpes, shingles, or chickenpox; the West Nile virus; or hepatitis C or B
- Kidney disease
- Lung disease or a breathing disorder;
- A weak immune system, caused by illness or certain medications.
- 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 rituximab treatment, you should have all the necessary immunizations. Tell your doctor whether you or a child who is receiving rituximab have received any vaccines in the last 4 weeks. Avoid using rituximab while pregnant. This drug could harm an unborn child. Use birth control during treatment and for 12 months following your last dose. Do not breastfeed for 6 months after the last dose of this medication.
How to take Rituximab?
Infusions of Rituximab are given into the vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. You will be tested by your doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from any conditions that would make it unsafe for you to use rituximab. Rituximab does not need to be taken every day. The schedule you follow will vary depending on the condition that is being treated.Do not neglect to comply with your physician's directives. You may receive other medications before each injection to help prevent side effects. Medical tests will be required frequently. Rituximab may cause the virus to become more active or worse if you have ever had hepatitis B. You may require frequent liver function testing while taking this medication and for several months afterwards. Tell your surgeon if you plan to have surgery that you will be using this medication.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget your appointment to receive your rituximab, 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?
Don't receive "live" vaccinations while taking rituximab. Live vaccines are measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus, typhoid, and yellow fever.
Side effects of Rituximab
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the rituximab (fever, sore mouth, burning eye, skin pain, a red or purple rash with blistering or peeling skin), 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, feeling dizzy, chest pain, wheezing, or sudden coughing.
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.
If you experience any of the other side effects listed below, call your doctor immediately, even if it is several months after receiving rituximab or after your treatment has ended.
- A severe skin rash that is blistered, peeling, or has pus
- Redness, warmth, or swelling of the skin
- Nausea; constipation; 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 cold or flu symptoms; cough, sore mouth, sore throat; headache. Earache or pain when you urinate.
- Signs that tumor cells are breaking down: confusion, weakness, cramps in the muscles, nausea or vomiting, rapid or slow heartbeat
Some of the common side effects of rituximab include:
- Low white and red blood cell count (fever, chills or body aches, paleness, unusual tiredness)
- 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
Inform your physician of any other medications taken, including:
- There are many medicines that treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, or psoriasis: adalimumab (also known as tocilizumab), certolizumab (also known as tofacitinib), etanercept (also called golimumab), infliximab (also known as leflunomide), methotrexate, and sulf
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with Rituximab. This list does not encompass all potential drug interactions.
