Rituximab (Injection)

Introduction:

Rituximab (ri-TUX-i-mab)

Treats non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Brand Name(s):

Rituxan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• Rituximab must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for a few hours. You may also receive medicines to help prevent possible allergic reactions to the injection.
• You will be watched closely for unwanted side effects while you are receiving this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also receiving cisplatin (Platinol®).
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have hepatitis B, kidney disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, lupus, or stomach or bowel problems. Also tell your doctor if you are scheduled for any surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had a reaction to murine (mice or rat) proteins. Murine proteins are also used in other medicines.
• Rituximab may cause a serious side effect called an infusion reaction. This can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; trouble with breathing; or chest pain after you get the injection.
• If you have a severe skin reaction, you should stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away. Symptoms may include blistering or loosening of the skin; red, swollen, irritated, or scaly skin; skin peeling or fissures; fingernail changes; or fever or chills.
• This medicine may increase your risk of developing infections, including a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections while you are using this medicine. Wash your hands often. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of infection before you start using this medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have ever had an infection that would not go away or an infection that kept coming back.
• Call your doctor right away if you start to have a cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, headache, or feeling generally ill. These may be signs that you already have an infection.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Changes in vision.
• Chest pain, uneven heartbeat, or sudden fainting.
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, night sweats, and body aches.
• General feeling of discomfort or illness.
• Increased hunger or thirst.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety.
• Back pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache, runny or stuffy nose.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: