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Rituximab - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Rituximab Medication Information

Get detailed information on Rituximab, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.

The updated prescription information on Rituximab provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.

You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Rituximab
Pronunciation : ri-TUX-i-mab
ICD Code : Y43.4 Therapeutic Classification : Monoclonal antibodies

Trade Names/Brand Names of Rituximab

India :

International :


Rituxan

Why is Rituximab Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a monoclol antibody, prescribed for certain types of cancer such as lymphomas, leukemia, transplant rejection and some autoimmune disorders. It decreases the number of certain types of white blood cells (B cells) in the body.

When should Rituximab not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Rituximab?

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) - The recommended dose is 375 mg/m2 as an IV infusion at weekly intervals for a total of four doses.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)- 375 mg/m2 the day prior to the initiation of FC chemotherapy, then 500 mg/m2 on Day 1 of cycles 2-6 (every 28 days).
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)- The recommended dose is two-1000 mg intravenous infusions separated by 2 weeks.

How should Rituximab be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein.

What are the warnings and precautions for Rituximab?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of kidney, liver, lung, or blood problems, heart problems, bowel problems, electrolyte problems, high blood pressure, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid contact with people who have infections.

• Patients with hepatitis B infection may develop with an increased risk of liver impairment. If you experience with symptoms like dark urine, pale colored stools, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin consult with your doctor immediately.

What are the side effects of Rituximab?

Body as a Whole - Fever, chills, infection, weakness, headache, abdominal pain, back pain, throat irritation and flushing.
Blood and Lymphatic - Anemia, decrease in white blood cells and platelets.
Skin - Night sweats, rash, itching and hives.
Respiratory - Increased cough, runny nose, asthma, difficulty in breathing and sinus inflammation.
Metabolic - Increased blood sugar, swelling in the extremities and increased LDH.
Gastrointestinal - Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Central Nervous System - Dizziness and anxiety.
Musculoskeletal - Joint/muscle pain.
Heart - Low/high blood pressure.

What are the other precautions for Rituximab?

Avoid vaccination while taking this medication.

What are the storage conditions for Rituximab?

Store it in refrigerator (2°C-8°C). Do not freeze it.

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