What is rituximab?
Rituximab is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Rituximab is used in combination with other cancer medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Rituximab is also used in combination with another drug called methotrexate to treat symptoms of adult rheumatoid arthritis.
Rituximab is also used in combination with steroid medicines to treat certain rare disorders that cause inflammation of blood vessels and other tissues in the body.
Rituximab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about rituximab?
You should not receive this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to rituximab.
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, or if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, skin rash, fast or uneven heart rate, weak or shallow breathing, or pain in your chest or shoulders.
To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your heart, liver, and kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop using this medication, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver function for several months after you stop using rituximab. Visit your doctor regularly.
Rituximab may cause a serious viral infection of the brain that can lead to disability or death. This risk is higher if you have a weak immune system or are receiving certain medicines. Call your doctor right away if you have any change in your mental state, problems with speech or walking, or decreased vision. These symptoms may start gradually and get worse quickly.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving rituximab?
You should not receive this medication if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to rituximab, or if you are allergic to mouse protein.
To make sure you can safely use rituximab, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver disease or hepatitis B (or if you are a carrier of hepatitis B);
kidney disease;
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
lung disease or a breathing disorder;
a weak immune system;
a recent or active infection, including herpes, shingles, cytomegalovirus, chickenpox, parvovirus, West Nile virus, hepatitis C, or any infection that keeps coming back or does not clear up;
a history of heart disease, angina (chest pain), or heart rhythm disorder; or
if you have used certain arthritis medicines in the past that were not effective, including adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab (Cimzia), golimumab (Simponi), etanercept (Enbrel), or infliximab (Remicade).
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rituximab will harm an unborn baby. Rituximab can affect the immune system of a newborn if the mother receives the medication during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication and for at least 12 months after your treatment ends. Rituximab can remain in the body for up to 6 months after you stop receiving it.
It is not known whether rituximab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive rituximab without telling your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.