Rituxan is called Mabthera or Ristova outside of the United States. The brand medicine is manufactured in Switzerland and shipped from our pharmacy in India via courier.
Rituxan (MabThera in UK) is the innovative drug containing rituximab. Rituximab is a protein called monoclonal antibody which acts by sticking to the surface of certain white blood cells (B-Lymphocytes) to kill those cells.
Rituxan is used to treat many conditions including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, rheumatoid arthritis, among other conditions. Rituxan is used alone or alongside of additional medicine.
Information about Rituxan (Rituximab)
Rituxan (generic name: Rituximab) is a biologic medication used in the treatment of several autoimmune diseases and cancers, particularly those involving B-cells, which are a type of white blood cell. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the CD20 protein on B-cells, resulting in their destruction. By depleting B-cells, Rituxan can modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation and abnormal cell growth.
Product Highlights
- A type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, Rituxan is used in combination with chemotherapy.
- A cancer of the bone marrow and blood that affects B-cells.
- In combination with methotrexate for patients who have not responded to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Autoimmune diseases that lead to inflammation in small blood vessels.
- Such as pemphigus vulgaris, certain types of vasculitis, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- By targeting CD20 on B-cells, Rituxan helps treat cancers and autoimmune diseases linked to abnormal B-cell activity.
- In autoimmune diseases, Rituxan can help reduce symptoms by suppressing an overactive immune response.
- Rituximab is often used with other chemotherapy drugs to improve efficacy in treating blood cancers.
- In many patients, Rituxan may provide long-term relief from symptoms, especially in autoimmune conditions.
Direction of Use
- Rituxan is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically in a hospital or clinical setting.
- The exact dosage and frequency vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication. For example, in NHL, Rituxan may be given once a week for several weeks, while in rheumatoid arthritis, the infusions are spaced several months apart after the initial loading doses.
Safety Concerns
- Common side effects include fever, chills, headache, and nausea, particularly during the first infusion.
- Rituximab can increase the risk of serious infections, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and opportunistic infections, due to its suppression of B-cells.
- A potential risk in patients with certain cancers, this condition involves rapid destruction of tumor cells that can release toxic substances into the bloodstream.
- Rituxan may cause heart problems, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Patients with a history of hepatitis B may be at risk of reactivating the virus during treatment.
Avoid Rituxan (Rituximab) If
- Do not use Rituxan if you have had a severe allergic reaction to rituximab or any of its components.
- Avoid Rituxan in the presence of any active or uncontrolled infections, including tuberculosis, as the medication can suppress the immune system.
- Patients with certain types of heart conditions, such as severe heart failure or arrhythmias, should use Rituxan with caution or avoid it.
- Rituximab is classified as pregnancy category C, meaning it should only be used if clearly needed. It is unknown if Rituximab passes into breast milk, so nursing mothers should consult their doctor before use.
- Rituxan can increase the risk of reactivating hepatitis B in patients with a past or present infection, and screening for this condition is recommended before starting treatment.
This product requires special packaging to maintain its integrity during the shipping process. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION if the attached temperature indicator shows that the medication was exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, and contact the pharmacy immediately.
