Rituxan (Rituximab) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Rituxan

Wegener's Granulomatosis »

What is Wegener's granulomatosis?

Wegener's granulomatosis is a uncommon type of inflammation of small arteries and veins (vasculitis). It classically involves inflammation of the arteries that supply blood to the tissues of the lungs, the nasal passages (sinuses), and the kidneys. "Incomplete" forms exist that only involve one of these areas. When both lungs and kidneys are affected, the condition is sometimes referred to as generalized Wegener's granulomatosis. When only the lungs are involved, the condition is sometimes referred to as limited Wegener's granulomatosis.

Wegener's granulomatosis usually affects young or middle-aged adults. Although it is uncommon in children, it can affect people at any age. The cause of Wegener's granulomatosis is not known.

What are symptoms of Wegener's granulomatosis?

Symptoms of Wegener's granulomatosis include fatigue, weight loss, fevers, shortness of...

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Rituxan
(rituximab) Injection for Intravenous Use

WARNING

FATAL INFUSION REACTIONS, TUMOR LYSIS SYNDROME (TLS), SEVERE MUCOCUTANEOUS REACTIONS, and PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML)

Infusion Reactions

Rituxan (rituximab) administration can result in serious, including fatal infusion reactions. Deaths within 24 hours of Rituxan (rituximab) infusion have occurred. Approximately 80% of fatal infusion reactions occurred in association with the first infusion. Carefully monitor patients during infusions. Discontinue Rituxan (rituximab) infusion and provide medical treatment for Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)

Acute renal failure requiring dialysis with instances of fatal outcome can occur in the setting of TLS following treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with Rituxan monotherapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Severe Mucocutaneous Reactions

Severe, including fatal, mucocutaneous reactions can occur in patients receiving Rituxan [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

JC virus infection resulting in PML and death can occur in patients receiving Rituxan [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Rituxan® (rituximab) is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal IgG1 kappa antibody directed against the CD20 antigen. Rituximab has an approximate molecular weight of 145 kD. Rituximab has a binding affinity for the CD20 antigen of approximately 8.0 nM.

Rituximab is produced by mammalian cell (Chinese Hamster Ovary) suspension culture in a nutrient medium containing the antibiotic gentamicin. Gentamicin is not detectable in the final product. Rituxan (rituximab) is a sterile, clear, colorless, preservative-free liquid concentrate for intravenous administration. Rituxan (rituximab) is supplied at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in either 100 mg (10 mL) or 500 mg (50 mL) single-use vials. The product is formulated in 9 mg/mL sodium chloride, 7.35 mg/mL sodium citrate dihydrate, 0.7 mg/mL polysorbate 80, and Water for Injection. The pH is 6.5.

What are the possible side effects of rituximab (Rituxan)?

Some people receiving a rituximab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, or if you have a fever, chills, muscle pain, sneezing, sore throat, trouble breathing, or pain in your chest or shoulders. Infusion reactions often occur within the first 24 hours after the start of your rituximab infusion.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing;...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Rituxan »

What are the precautions when taking rituximab (Rituxan)?

Before using rituximab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other mouse protein medications; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia), heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, angina), current or returning infections, lung problems (e.g., pulmonary infiltrates), previous severe reaction to monoclonal antibody treatment, planned surgery/vaccinations, virus infection (e.g., chickenpox, hepatitis B or C, herpes).

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or...

Read All Potential Precautions of Rituxan »

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/1/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.