Uses of undefined

Rituximab Injection has been developed to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, mature B-cell acute leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, granulomatosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and pemphigus vulgaris in patients who have not responded adequately to other treatments.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Rituximab is available as a single-use vial of injection intended for administration as an intravenous infusion. It is available in doses of 100mg and 500mg. The usual recommended starting dose is 375mg/m2. Your doctor will decide the dose, dosage, and duration of the treatment based on your medical condition. 

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

• Infusion reactions: Rituximab can cause severe reactions, including breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and heart problems. You should pre-medicate patients and stop Rituximab if a severe reaction occurs.
• Severe skin reactions: Serious skin reactions, such as blisters and skin peeling, can occur and may be fatal. Discontinue Rituximab if any severe skin reactions develop.
• Infections: Serious infections, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, can occur during treatment. Stop Rituximab and administer appropriate anti-infective treatment.
• Kidney problems: Severe kidney toxicity, especially with tumour lysis syndrome, can occur. Monitor kidney function closely, and stop Rituximab if kidney issues arise.
• Bowel obstruction and perforation: Bowel obstruction and perforation can occur, especially when Rituximab is combined with chemotherapy. Evaluate patients immediately and treat abdominal pain appropriately.
• Vaccinations: You should not give live vaccines during Rituximab treatment due to reduced effectiveness and increased infection risk. Administer non-live vaccines at least 4 weeks before treatment.
• Laboratory monitoring: Regular blood tests, including CBC and platelet counts, are required during Rituximab treatment. Monitor blood counts closely if they decrease significantly.

Precautions

Rituximab can affect the fertility of males and females. Ask your healthcare provider for advice if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding your baby. It is probably unsafe during pregnancy it has the ability to cross the placental barrier and harm an unborn baby. It is mostly unsafe to breastfeed while on treatment with this injection. Discuss with your healthcare provider and either discontinue the treatment with this medicine or discontinue breastfeeding while on treatment with this injection. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider and consider using them for 12 months after the last dose of Rituximab.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Rituximab include:

• Infusion-related reactions
• Fever
• Lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count)
• Chills
• Infection
• Asthenia (weakness)
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Muscle spasms
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Bronchitis
• Depression
• Changes in liver enzyme values

Serious side effects of Rituximab include:

• Severe infusion reactions (breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, heart problems)
• Serious infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
• Skin reactions (blisters, severe rashes, or peeling skin)
• Hepatitis B reactivation
• Tumor lysis syndrome (kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances)
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, a brain infection)
• Cardiovascular issues (life-threatening arrhythmias)
• Kidney problems (severe toxicity or failure)

Word Of Advice

Check with your healthcare provider before receiving any vaccines and inform them if you are taking any other medications or herbal supplements.

Frequently Asked Question

• What are the common side effects of rituximab injection?
• The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Rituximab Injection are infusion-related reactions, fever, lymphopenia, chills, infection, asthenia, upper respiratory tract infection, muscle spasms, headache, nausea, diarrhea, bronchitis, depression and changes in liver enzyme values. If you experience sickness, infection, blisters, or allergies during this treatment, report to your doctor immediately.

• Will you lose your hair due to Rituximab treatment?
• You could lose your hair from your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic areas while on treatment with Rituximab. Your hair is more likely to grow back once you stop the medication.

• Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Rituximab Injection?
• Rituximab Injection is associated high risk of bruising. Hence, it is advisable to discuss with your physician before undergoing surgery or dental procedure while on treatment with Rituximab Injection.

• How to store Rituximab injection?
• Store Rituximab injection in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) in its original container away from light.

• How long does Rituximab stay in your body?
• Rituximab stays in your body for about 6 to 12 months after your last dose.

• Who should not use Rituximab Injection?
• People who are allergic or hypersensitive to Rituximab and monoclonal antibodies should not receive Rituximab Injection.

• Is rituximab chemo or immuno?
• Rituximab is an immunotherapy, not chemotherapy. It works by targeting and depleting specific immune cells.

• Does rituximab cure nephrotic syndrome?
• Rituximab does not cure nephrotic syndrome, but it can help manage the condition in certain cases, particularly when it's caused by immune system-related diseases. It may reduce proteinuria and improve kidney function in some patients.