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General Medication Fact Sheet for Rituxan
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Rituxan |
| Generic Name | Rituximab |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Severe infusion reactions, severe mucocutaneous reactions, hepatitis B virus reactivation, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) |
| Purpose | Treatment of certain autoimmune diseases and cancers, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis. |
| Mechanism of Action | Targets the CD20 protein on B cells, leading to B cell depletion. |
| Dosage Forms | Intravenous (IV) solution |
| Available Strengths | 10 mg/mL in vials of 100 mg (10 mL) and 500 mg (50 mL) |
| Dosage Frequency | Varies depending on the condition being treated; typically administered as an IV infusion every 1-8 weeks. |
| Common Side Effects | Infusion reactions (fever, chills, nausea, itching, rash), infections, fatigue, body aches. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe infusion reactions (anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest), tumor lysis syndrome, infections (pneumonia, sepsis), cardiac arrhythmias, bowel obstruction and perforation, kidney toxicity. |
| Drug Interactions | Immunosuppressants, live vaccines, antihypertensive medications. |
| Important Notes | Patients should be monitored for infusion reactions. Pre-medication may be given to reduce the risk of reactions. Avoid live vaccines during treatment. |
| Storage | Store vials in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. |
| Missed Dose | Contact your healthcare provider immediately to reschedule your infusion appointment. |
| Alternatives | Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta), Obinutuzumab (Gazyva), Biosimilars of Rituximab. |
Rituxan Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) | Targets the CD20 protein on B cells, leading to B cell depletion. | Used for multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Administered via intravenous infusion. |
| Ofatumumab (Kesimpta) | Targets the CD20 protein on B cells, leading to B cell depletion. | Used for multiple sclerosis. Administered via subcutaneous injection. |
| Obinutuzumab (Gazyva) | Targets the CD20 protein on B cells, leading to B cell depletion. | Used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Administered via intravenous infusion. |
| Biosimilars of Rituximab | Targets the CD20 protein on B cells, leading to B cell depletion. | Biosimilars are similar, but not identical, to Rituxan. They have the same mechanism of action and are approved for some of the same indications. |
Rituxan Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Infusion reactions (fever, chills, nausea, itching, rash) | Severe infusion reactions (anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest) |
| Infections | Tumor lysis syndrome |
| Fatigue | Infections (pneumonia, sepsis) |
| Body aches | Cardiac arrhythmias |
| Headache | Bowel obstruction and perforation |
| Nausea | Kidney toxicity |
| Low white blood cell count (neutropenia) | Hepatitis B virus reactivation |
Rituxan Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma | 375 mg/m² | 375 mg/m² every 2-3 weeks | Administered as an intravenous infusion. Dosage and frequency depend on the specific lymphoma type and treatment regimen. |
| Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia | 375 mg/m² | 500 mg/m² every 3-6 months | Administered as an intravenous infusion. Dosage and frequency depend on the specific treatment regimen. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | 1000 mg | 1000 mg every 6 months | Administered as two intravenous infusions two weeks apart, every 6 months. Given with methotrexate. |
| Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis and Microscopic Polyangiitis | 375 mg/m² | 375 mg/m² weekly for 4 weeks | Administered as an intravenous infusion. Followed by maintenance therapy. |
Rituxan Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $600 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $7,500 |
| From Canada | $3,799 |
