About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Rituximab - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Last Updated on May 11, 2020
Font : A-A+

Information about Rituximab

Generic Name : Rituximab
Pronunciation : ri-TUX-i-mab
Latest prescription information about Rituximab. Learn how to pronounce the drug's name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its storage instructions . Also listed are the International and Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.
ICD Code : Y43.4 | Therapeutic Classification : Monoclonal antibodies
Advertisement

Trade Names/Brand Names of Rituximab

India : 

International : 

Rituxan
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.




Advertisement
Recommended Reading

Post a Comment

Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.

Comments

PRABHAKARARAO, India

PLEASE CONFIRM WHETHER REDITUX RA MARKETED BY DR.REDDYS LABORATORIES IS A CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT AND APPROVED BY FDA

einslee, Philippines

hello, my husband is diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma, and his doctor recommends mabthera 500mg. can i purchase this medicine in india since it's very expensive here in the philippines, if yes are there any papers that i need to process?. thank you.

suchi99, India

Hello, I am looking for Rituxan. Is there any place in Bangalore where I can get this? Also what is the price of this drug in India? Kindly email me at "suchitra" dot "agarewal86"@Gmail.com

shunmugamarumugam, India

Very useful information indeed

Get Health and Wellness Secrets from Our Engaging eBooks
Advertisement
Drug Price
Reditux (100 mg)

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
Mabthera

Roche Pharmaceuticals
Mathera (500 mg)

Roche Pharmaceuticals
Reditux (500 mg)

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close