Rituxan (Rituximab)

What is Rituxan?

Rituxan is a medication that is often referred to as monoclonal antibody.

What is Rituxan used for?

Rituxan is indicated for the treatment of certain types of cancer, for example, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The medicine is also used with methotrexate to treat moderate-to-severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is generally used when other arthritis medications have failed. Rituxan can reduce swelling and pain in joints.

How does Rituxan work?

Rituxan works by attaching to B cells (blood cells from the immune system) and killing them. It hinders the growth of cancer cells and keeps them from spreading in the body.

How to use Rituxan

Rituxan is usually injected into a vein through an IV. It is advised that you receive this injection in a hospital or at doctor’s clinic only. Prior to receiving this injection, your medical health provider may give you other medications to prevent some Rituxan side effects.

The medication is usually given once every week for 1-2 months. While being treated for rheumatoid arthritis, you may receive two injections of Rituxan only, with two weeks in between treatment.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis. You may also be required to get your liver and kidney function tested.

Rituxan warnings and precautions

Do not receive Rituxan injection if you ever had an allergy to rituximab or if you’re allergic to mouse protein.

Prior to receiving Rituxan, inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease (or hepatitis B), SLE/ systemic lupus erythematosus, lung disease or breathing disorder, an active infection like shingles, herpes, cytomegalovirus, or other infection that doesn’t clear up, or a history of heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, or angina pain. You might need an adjustment in the dosage if you are suffering from any of these illnesses.

It is important to note that one should not receive a ‘live’ vaccine while being treated with Rituxan.

Pregnant and lactating females should consult their doctors before receiving this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Rituxan dose?

If you have missed a Rituxan dose, you should call your doctor to set up the next appointment right away.

What do I do if I have taken a Rituxan overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Rituxan, seek medical attention right away.

Rituxan interactions

Before using Rituxan, tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription dosages that you are on, especially if you have been using auranofin, adalimumab, azathioprine, cisplatin, cyclosporine, infliximab, etanercept, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, minocycline, blood pressure medications, or medicines for the treatment of malaria (for example chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine). These drugs might interact with Rituxan.

Do not take any new medication without consulting your doctor.

Rituxan side effects

Rituxan side effects include sudden weakness or numbness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, loss of balance, problems while walking, speech problems, chest pain, heavy feeling, nausea, sweating, breathing trouble, wheezing, body ache, cough, sore throat, sneezing, muscle pain, fever, chills, bruising, bleeding, increased or decreased urination, red and peeling skin rash, bloody or tarry stools, stomach ache, appetite loss, dark colored urine, clay colored stools, yellowing of eyes or skin, hives or swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Rituxan, contact your doctor right away.

Intimate your caregiver right away if you feel weak, dizzy, lightheaded, nauseated, or itchy after receiving the injection.

The medicine increases the risk of viral infections of the brain. Inform your doctor without delay if you experience any unusual symptoms after receiving Rituxan.

Headache, night sweats, stuffy or runny nose, pain in joints or muscles, nausea, diarrhea, mild stomach ache, back ache, or pain where the medicine was injected are some less serious side effects of Rituxan.