Rituxan vs. Remicade

Are Rituxan and Remicade the Same Thing?

Rituxan (rituximab) and Remicade (infliximab) are monoclonal antibodies used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Rituxan is also used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Remicade is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and severe or disabling plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin).

Remicade is often used when other medicines have not been effective.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Rituxan?

Common side effects of Rituxan include:

  • headache,
  • fever,
  • chills,
  • stomach pain,
  • nausea,
  • diarrhea,
  • heartburn,
  • flushing,
  • night sweats,
  • weakness,
  • muscle or joint pain,
  • back pain, or
  • dizziness.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Rituxan including:

  • increased thirst or urination,
  • swelling of the hands or feet, or
  • tingling of the hands or feet.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Remicade?

Common side effects of Remicade include:

  • headache,
  • stomach pain,
  • nausea,
  • stuffy nose,
  • sinus pain,
  • skin rash, or
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Remicade including:

  • pain or swelling at injection site,
  • joint or muscle pain,
  • swelling of ankles or feet,
  • easy bruising or bleeding,
  • vision changes,
  • seizures,
  • confusion,
  • muscle weakness,
  • numbness and tingling of arms or legs,
  • butterfly-shaped facial rash,
  • chest pain,
  • pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs,
  • shortness of breath, or
  • fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.

What is Rituxan?

Rituxan (rituximab) is a cancer medication used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rituxan is also used in combination with another drug called methotrexate to treat symptoms of adult rheumatoid arthritis.

What is Remicade?

Remicade (infliximab) is a chimeric IgG1k monoclonal antibody used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Remicade is also used to treat severe or disabling plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin). Remicade is often used when other medicines have not been effective. Remicade blocks the action of a protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

What Drugs Interact With Rituxan?

Rituxan may interact with cisplatin, adalimumab, auranofin, azathioprine, cyclosporine, etanercept, infliximab, leflunomide, minocycline, sulfasalazine, blood pressure medications, or medication to treat malaria.

What Drugs Interact With Remicade?

Other drugs may interact with Remicade. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

How Should Rituxan Be Taken?

Rituxan is administered under a physician's supervision. The dose of Rituxan varies depending on the disorder being treated and the number of infusions (doses) needed.

How Should Remicade Be Taken?

The dosing of Remicade varies, and depends on the condition being treated.

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References


Genentech. Rituxan Product Monograph.

http://www.rituxan.com/

Janssen. Remicade Product Monograph.

https://www.remicade.com/

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