Rituxan
Rituximab (Murine) Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
RITUXIMAB (ri TUX i mab) 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.
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. Read More ›
Rituxan can be used to treat the following conditions:
- acquired blood factor deficiency
- acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- hemolytic anemia
- human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection
- idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
- multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD)
- multiple sclerosis
- non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)
- pemphigus
- peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization
- rheumatoid arthritis
- thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura
- Wegener's granulomatosis
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 side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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
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):
What may interact with this medicine?
cisplatin
medicines for blood pressure
some other medicines for arthritis
vaccines
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
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
history of hepatitis B
infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
irregular heartbeat
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
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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 this medicine 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.
Who should not take Rituxan?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
acute bronchospasm, angina, breast-feeding, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac disease, children, exfoliative dermatitis, females, geriatric, hepatitis, human anti-chimeric antibody (HACA), human anti-murine antibody (HAMA), hypertension, hypotension, infection, infusion-related reactions, oliguria, pregnancy, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, pulmonary disease, renal failure, renal impairment, respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory insufficiency, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), vaccination, viral infection
Copyright: © 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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