RITUXIMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

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RITUXIMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ri-TUX-i-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Rituxan Hycela

GENERIC NAME(S): rituximab/hyaluronidase, human recombinant

Uses

USES: Rituximab is used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of cancer (such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia). Rituximab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.


How to use RITUXIMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using rituximab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor will prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, an antihistamine, methylprednisolone) for you to take before each treatment to help reduce side effects, such as fever and chills. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions. This medication is given by injection under the skin of your abdomen by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually over 5 to 7 minutes. This form of rituximab is used only after receiving your first dose of rituximab by injection into a vein. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Ask your doctor if you should take your regular medications (such as drugs for high blood pressure) before your treatment.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Pain, swelling, bruising, redness, or itching at the injection site may occur. Headache, nausea, weakness, or dizziness may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: abdominal pain, increased thirst/urination, swelling of the hands/feet, tingling of the hands/feet. Rituximab sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: low back/side pain (flank pain), signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination, pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine), muscle spasms/weakness. This medication can decrease blood cells, which can cause bleeding problems and lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following side effects: easy bleeding/bruising, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, signs of an infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using rituximab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to mouse protein; 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: bleeding/blood problems, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), current/recent infections, lung problems, stroke. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Rituximab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be at greater risk for heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat) or lung problems while using this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 1 year after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for at least 6 months after treatment is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as natalizumab, fingolimod, tofacitinib).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for RITUXIMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

Rituximab subcutaneous injection is primarily used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It may also be prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Rituximab works by targeting and binding to a protein called CD20, which is found on the surface of certain immune cells. By binding to CD20, Rituximab helps to effectively eliminate these abnormal immune cells, thereby reducing the progression of cancer or autoimmune diseases.

Rituximab subcutaneous injection is administered just underneath the skin, usually on the thigh or abdomen. It is typically given in multiple doses over a period of time, following a specific dosing schedule prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Common side effects of Rituximab subcutaneous injection may include infusion-related reactions (fever, chills, nausea), fatigue, headache, respiratory infections, rash, and musculoskeletal pain. It is important to discuss any side effects experienced with your healthcare provider.

The onset of action for Rituximab subcutaneous injection might vary depending on the specific condition being treated. In some cases, improvement may be noticed within a few weeks of starting the treatment, while for others, it may take several months to observe significant benefits.

Rituximab subcutaneous injection may increase the risk of serious infections, including reactivation of hepatitis B virus. It may also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Prior to starting treatment, it is important to inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions or ongoing medications.

The use of Rituximab subcutaneous injection during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional. As with any medication, the potential risks and benefits must be carefully evaluated before making a decision.

If a dose is missed, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for guidance. They will advise on the best course of action, which may include rescheduling the missed dose or adjusting the treatment schedule.

Rituximab subcutaneous injection is approved for use in certain pediatric conditions, such as certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, the dosage and administration guidelines may differ for children compared to adults. It is essential to consult a pediatrician for appropriate use in children.

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Warning

WARNING: Rituximab may rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) side effects including severe breathing problems or heart problems (such as heart attack, irregular heartbeat). If these serious side effects occur, they usually happen after the first treatment (IV infusion) with rituximab. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, itching, swelling (especially of the throat/lips), dizziness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Rarely, people using this medication have had serious (sometimes fatal) skin reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Get medical help right away if you develop rash, blisters, peeling skin, or sores on your skin, lips, or in your mouth. This medication may increase your risk of getting a rare but very serious (possibly fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML). Get medical help right away if you have any of these side effects: clumsiness, loss of coordination/balance, weakness, sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory loss), difficulty talking/walking, seizure, vision changes. Rituximab may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease in people who have current or past infection with hepatitis B. Before starting this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had hepatitis B. Your doctor should do a blood test for hepatitis B before starting treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of liver disease, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing eyes/skin.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.