Rituximab injection
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What is rituximab injection?
RITUXIMAB is a monoclonal antibody. This medicine changes the way the body's immune system works. It is used commonly to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other conditions. In cancer cells, this drug targets a specific protein within cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is also used to treat rhuematoid arthritis (RA). In RA, this medicine slow the inflammatory process and help reduce joint pain and swelling. This medicine is often used with other cancer or arthritis medications.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• blood disorders
• heart disease
• history of hepatitis B
• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• irregular heartbeat
• kidney disease
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• lupus
• an unusual or allergic reaction to rituximab, mouse proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.
What drug(s) may interact with rituximab?
• cisplatin
• medicines for blood pressure
• vaccines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking rituximab?
Report any side effects that you notice during your treatment right away, such as changes in your breathing, fever, chills, dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects are more common with the first dose.
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood work. Report any other side effects. The side effects of rituximab can continue after you finish your treatment. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving rituximab?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
• breathing problems
• confused, not responsive
• chest pain
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• mouth sores
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• stomach pain
• swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or other health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• anxiety
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches
• nausea
• night sweats
Where can I keep my medicine?
Rituximab is administered in a hospital or clinic setting by an appropriate healthcare professional. The medication will be in a bag of fluid and will be given to you through an IV catheter.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
