Rituximab
Drug Name(s): Rituxan, Biosimilars: Riabni, Ruxience, Truxima
Class: Biologics
Type: B-cell inhibitor
Used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis. Off-label uses: lupus, ANCA associated vasculitis.
Dosage
Form(s): Infusion
Two 1000 mg IV infusions given 2 weeks apart every 24 weeks or based on physical exam, but no sooner than every 16 weeks.
Dosages for children: Dosages for children can vary. Ask your child's doctor about appropriate dosages for your child.
Special Instructions
Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment.
Do not get a live vaccine when taking biologics.
Potential Side Effects
Abdominal pain; bruising, itching, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site; chills; fever; headache; infections; infusion reaction during or shortly after treatment (including blood pressure changes, chest pain, difficulty breathing and hives); severe skin reactions; swelling and shedding of the mucus membranes
Be Aware
All biologics suppress the immune system and may increase your risk of infections. Tell your doctor if you have an active infection. Do not start treatment if you have a serious or recurrent infection (such as pneumonia). You should be tested for tuberculosis before starting this medication.
If you have ever had hepatitis B, rituximab can cause the virus to reactivate. Before starting therapy, your doctor should test you for hepatitis B.
Serious infusion reactions have been linked to rituximab. Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid before the infusion to prevent an infusion reaction.
Some patients taking rituximab have developed a rare, life-threatening disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Tell your doctor if you have sudden weakness in your arms or leg and loss of memory and speech.
