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Drug Notebook

Generic Name: rituximab

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An antirheumatic - treats non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Rheumatoid Arthritis

FDA Alerts

Fatal Infusion-related Reactions

Death has occurred within 24 hours of administration following the occurrence of severe infusion-related effects (i.e., hypoxia, pulmonary infiltrates, acute respiratory distress syndrome, MI, VF, and/or cardiogenic shock).
Approximately 80% of fatal reactions have occurred with the first dose.
If severe infusion-related effects occur, discontinue rituximab infusion and institute appropriate treatment. (See Infusion-related Effects under Cautions.)

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Acute renal failure requiring dialysis (sometimes fatal) reported in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who experience tumor lysis syndrome. (See Tumor Lysis Syndrome under Cautions.)

Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions

Severe, sometimes fatal, mucocutaneous reactions reported. (See Mucocutaneous Reactions under Cautions.)

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

JC virus infection resulting in PML and death reported. (See Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy [PML] under Cautions.)

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(ri TUK si mab)

What is the most important information I should know about rituximab?

Do not receive this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to rituximab, or if you are allergic to mouse protein.

Some people receiving a rituximab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, or if you have a fever, chills, muscle pain, sneezing, sore throat, trouble breathing, or pain in your chest or shoulders. Infusion reactions often occur within the first 24 hours after the start of your rituximab infusion.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop using this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function at regular visits for several months after you stop using rituximab. Do not miss any scheduled visits.

What is rituximab?

Rituximab is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Rituximab is used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rituximab is also used in combination with another drug called methotrexate to treat symptoms of adult rheumatoid arthritis.

Rituximab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving rituximab?

Do not receive this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to rituximab, or if you are allergic to mouse protein.

Before receiving rituximab, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease or hepatitis B (or if you are a carrier of hepatitis B);
kidney disease;
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
lung disease or a breathing disorder;
a history of heart disease, angina (chest pain), or heart rhythm disorder; or
a recent or active infection, including herpes, shingles, cytomegalovirus, or any infection that keeps coming back or does not clear up.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use rituximab, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether rituximab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take rituximab without telling your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from rituximab, causing breathing difficulty or heart rhythm problems.

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Most Important What is...? Before Taking How to Take Missed Dose Avoid Taking Side Effects Interactions Overdose More Info

Related Learning
Centers

·As a Drug

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

Waldenstrom's Disease