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Rituxan

Generic Name: 

Rituximab

Brand Names: 

Rituxan

Rituxan Description: 

Rituxan is an injectable medication prescribed to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. It is in a class of medications called biologic antineoplastic agents and may be prescribed alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Rituxan may also be prescribed in combination with methotrexate to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rituxan Side Effects: 

The following side effects have been associated with Rituxan:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Stomach pain
  • Unusual bruising/bleeding
  • Chest pain

For more information, see our Rituxan side effects page.

Rituxan Uses: 

Rituxan may be prescribed alone or in combination with other medications to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms.

Rituxan treats NHL symptoms by causing the death of blood cells that multiply abnormally. In patients afflicted with RA, Rituxan causes the death of certain blood cells that cause the immune system to attack the joints, providing RA patients with less pain from joint swelling and more joint function.

While not indicated in its product labeling, Rituxan may also be prescribed to treat patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, immune or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.

Rituxan Interactions: 

Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before taking Rituxan.

Before beginning treatment with Rituxan, patients should consult their doctor if they have had any of the following vaccines:

  • Rotavirus
  • Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin
  • Influenza
  • Measles
  • Mumbs
  • Poliovirus
  • Rubella
  • Smallpox
  • Typhoid
  • Varicella
  • Yellow fever
  • Pneumococcal

Before beginning treatment with Rituxan, patients should consult their doctor if they are being treated with any of the following medications:

  • Atorvastin
  • Cisplatin

Patients with a history or current diagnosis of any of following conditions should consult their doctor before treatment with Rituxan:

  • Angina
  • Heart problems
  • Hepatitis B
  • Lung problems
  • Herpes
  • Stomach/bowel problems
  • Infection
  • Kidney problems
  • Lupus

This is not a complete list of possible Rituxan interactions. Consult your doctor about any possible interactions with this medicine.

Rituxan Dosage Information: 

Typical Dosage Recommendations

Rituxan dosages may vary among patients and conditions. Patients should take Rituxan exactly as prescribed by their doctor.

Rituxan is distributed as a 10 ml, 100 mg, or 500 mg vial, injection, and intravenous solution.

Rituxan is administered at a hospital, doctor’s office, or cancer treatment center. Patients do not have to administer their dose of Rituxan on their own.

Missing a Dose of Rituxan

Call your doctor immediately if you miss your appointment for Rituxan.

Rituxan Overdose

It is unlikely patients will overdose their treatment of Rituxan because of the way it is administered. However, if you feel you are experiencing any negative side effects, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

Rituxan FDA Approval: 

November 26, 1997

Rituxan Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

Rituxan carries a Black Box warning because it has caused severe, sometimes fatal reactions in patients after their initial dose. Patients who are female or who have a history with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, an irregular heartbeat, or heart or lung disease are at greater risk for a serious complication from Rituxan.

When treating NHL, Rituxan has caused a condition called tumor lysis syndrome, which may cause kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment.

Patients treated with Rituxan may experience skin reactions. If you experience painful sores, ulcers, blisters, rash, or peeling skin, call your doctor immediately. These are symptoms of a potentially fatal skin reaction.

Patients treated with Rituxan may develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a rare infection of the brain that cannot be treated, prevented, or cured and usually causes death or disability. Call your doctor immediately if you have difficulty thinking clearly or walking, loss of strength, vision problems, or any other sudden unusual symptoms.

On January 13, 2010, Rituxan 10 ml injection was recalled. Recall # D-308-2010.

Sources: 
  1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601789/
  2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a607038.html
  3. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=RITUXAN&CFID=31634748&CFTOKEN=a42fcc62b439c10-4CCE18B5-1372-5AE1-64D9233DD42664D3
  4. http://www.rituxan.com/
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