Precautions
Your doctor may decide to prescribe RITUXAN as maintenance therapy if you achieve remission after using RITUXAN and chemotherapy as initial treatment. RITUXAN is prescribed alone, without chemotherapy, every 8 weeks for 12 doses during this phase of the journey. Your goal here is to help keep your disease in remission.
Why would my doctor prescribe rituxan as maintenance therapy?
(An infusion is an injection into a vein that’s given over a period of time.) A healthcare provider will give you Rituxan infusions in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. Before each dose of Rituxan, you’ll likely take medications to help prevent infusion reactions from occurring.
What is a Rituxan infusion?
Your Follicular Lymphoma journey continues with maintenance therapy Your doctor may decide to prescribe RITUXAN as maintenance therapy if you achieve remission after using RITUXAN and chemotherapy as initial treatment. RITUXAN is prescribed alone, without chemotherapy, every 8 weeks for 12 doses during this phase of the journey.
Can Rituxan be used as maintenance therapy for follicular lymphoma?
Before each dose of Rituxan, you’ll likely take medications to help prevent infusion reactions from occurring. (For information on infusion reactions, see the “Serious side effects” section above.) These drugs are called premedications, and they usually include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine ( Benadryl ).
What medications should I take before each dose of Rituxan?
What is the treatment for AFM?
There is no specific treatment for AFM, but a clinician who specializes in diseases like AFM may recommend certain interventions on a case-by-case basis. For example, clinicians may recommend physical or occupational therapy to help with arm or leg weakness caused by AFM.
Can AFM be cured?
There's no cure for either polio or AFM, but some things can help with symptoms. Children with either polio or AFM may need: Pain relievers like ibuprofen to ease pain and bring down fever.
Can flaccid paralysis be cured?
Flaccid paralysis is a symptom, rather than an illness or disease in and of itself. Therefore, the cure for flaccid paralysis rests in the underlying condition. If the underlying condition is curable or does not cause permanent damage, than it is likely that the person will recover.
What are some possible causes of AFM?
AFM is thought to be caused by infections with different types of viruses. The infections most commonly mentioned with AFM include polio or West Nile virus and related infections. Most patients with AFM have a respiratory illness or fever before their limbs are affected.
Does acute flaccid myelitis go away?
There are no specific treatments for acute flaccid myelitis. Physical and occupational therapy to restore movement is seen as being very important. Some doctors might recommend treatments, like steroids, antivirals or immunoglobulin, which have been used to treat transverse myelitis and other neurological conditions.
Is acute flaccid myelitis permanent?
AFM can lead to permanent disability. Patients who tested positive for EV-D68 typically had more severe AFM illness, requiring hospitalized intensive care and ventilation. Most cases occur between August and November.
How do you prevent AFM?
PreventionWash your hands often with soap and water.Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve.Keep sick children at home.
How quickly does AFM progress?
Acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, starts out as a respiratory condition and may quickly progress to physical disability within hours.
How do you strengthen flaccid muscles?
The following are a few effective ways to help your muscles wake up in order to start minimizing flaccidity.Passive Range-of-Motion. Passive exercises can help you maintain range of motion and regain control of your muscles. ... Mirror Therapy. ... Electrical Stimulation. ... Mental Practice. ... Active Exercise.
What are the odds of getting transverse myelitis?
TM has a conservatively estimated incidence of between 1 and 8 new cases per million per year, or approximately 1400 new cases each year. Although this disease affects people of all ages, with a range of six months to 88 years, there are bimodal peaks between the ages of 10 to 19 years and 30 to 39 years.
Is Rituxan chemotherapy?
No, Rituxan isn’t chemotherapy. Rituxan is a type of immunotherapy. Chemotherapy affects all the cells in your body. Because of this, it can cause...
Do I need to avoid getting certain types of vaccines during my Rituxan treatment?
Yes. You should avoid getting any live vaccines before and while you’re taking Rituxan. This is because live vaccines have a milder version of the...
Will I be able to use other medications on the same day I have a Rituxan infusion?
Yes, you can still take other medications on the same day as your Rituxan infusion. In fact, you’ll usually be given drugs to help prevent you from...
Why do Rituxan infusions take so long?
Rituxan must be given slowly over time to decrease the risk of an infusion reaction occurring. Infusion reactions can include rash, decreased blood...
What to do if you have a serious side effect of Rituxan?
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include: Infusion reactions while or after receiving a dose of Rituxan.*.
What is the active ingredient in Rituxan?
Rituxan active ingredient and form. Rituxan contains the active ingredient rituximab and belongs to a group of medications called monoclonal antibodies. Rituxan comes as a liquid solution that’s available in two strengths: 100 milligrams (mg) per 10 milliliters (mL) of solution and 500 mg/50 mL.
How long did Rituxan last without cancer?
went 39.8 months without their cancer getting worse when they took Rituxan, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide. went 31.5 months without their cancer getting worse when they took fludarabine and cyclophosphamide alone. Rituxan was also studied in people who had already tried other medications for their CLL.
How much Rituxan is in a ml?
Rituxan comes as a liquid solution that’s available in two strengths: 100 milligrams (mg) per 10 milliliters (mL) of solution and 500 mg/50 mL. The medication is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. (An infusion is an injection into a vein that’s given over a period of time.)
Can you use Rituxan alone?
If you have this treatment and have a partial or complete response* to it, your doctor may have you then use Rituxan alone. Rituxan for NHL when used after CVP chemotherapy. For this use, the cancer must be low grade.
How long does it take for ACR50 to show improvement?
After 24 weeks, an ACR50 was reported in:
Is Rituxan Hycela a biosimilar?
Rituxan has two biosimilar versions: rituximab-pvvr (Ruxience) and rituximab-abbs ( Truxima ). Rituxan Hycela has no biosimilar versions. A biosimilar medication is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug). Rituxan is a biologic medication, which is also called a biologic.
What is Rituxan?
Rituxan is a monoclonal antibody medication. It’s also considered a type of immunotherapy, meaning it helps turn the immune system against cancer. It works by identifying and labeling certain white blood cells (B cells) for destruction by the body’s immune system.
What cancers can Rituxan treat?
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL is a type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells (lymphocytes).
How does Rituxan work?
Rituxan works by targeting the CD20 protein on the surface of B blood cells. In cancers like CLL and NHL, B cells grow out of control. Rituxan works to lower the amount of cancerous B cells in the body. It finds these B cells by looking for the CD20 protein.
What side effects are associated with Rituxan?
As with all medications, Rituxan has a number of possible side effects. Common side effects can include:
How much does Rituxan cost?
Rituxan is administered by your healthcare provider, which often means it can be expensive. However, the specific costs can vary widely. Biosimilar medications of Rituxan might be cheaper. Biosimilar medications like Truxima also have savings programs available to help with treatment costs.
The bottom line
Rituxan is a medication that’s used to treat many different types of blood cell cancers, like NHL and CLL. It can be given as an IV or an under-the-skin injection. Cheaper versions of Ritxuan, called biosimilars, are also available.
What is Rituxan used for?
What Rituxan Is Used For: Treatment of certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians sometimes elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it might be helpful.
How long does it take to get Rituxan?
How Rituxan Is Given: As an infusion into a vein (intravenous, IV), over about 6 hours. The time of the infusion may be shortened, depending on whether or not you have received Rituxan in the past, or how well you tolerate Rituxan.
Why are monoclonal antibodies given only for cancer?
Since monoclonal antibodies target only specific cells, they may cause less toxicity to healthy cells. Monoclonal antibody therapy is usually given only for cancers in which antigens (and the respective antibodies) have been identified already.
How long does it take for Rituxan to react to infusion?
A serious but rare Rituxan side effect is potential for a severe infusion reaction, typically with the first infusion (during infusion or within 30-120 minutes of infusion). You will be given medication prior to the infusion to decrease this reaction and monitored carefully during the infusion.
Why do you give medication before an infusion?
Medications may be given just before the infusion to reduce the occurrence of infusion-related symptoms.
What is the generic name for Rituximab?
Generic Name: Rituximab. Biosimilars: Ruxience®, Truxima®. A biosimilar is a biologic medical product that is almost an identical copy of an original medication that is manufactured by a different company.
Is there a relationship between Rituxan side effects and effectiveness?
There is no relationship between the presence or severity of Rituxan side effects and the effectiveness of Rituxan.
When to stop Rituxan?
Your healthcare provider will stop treatment with RITUXAN if you have severe, serious, or life-threatening side effects.
What to do before a Rituxan infusion?
Your healthcare provider should give you medicines before your infusion of RITUXAN to decrease your chance of having a severe infusion-related reactions. Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms during or after an infusion of RITUXAN: Hives (red itchy welts) or rash.
What to tell your healthcare provider before taking Rituximab?
Before receiving RITUXAN, tell your healthcare provider if you: Have had a severe reaction to RITUXAN or a rituximab product. Have a history of heart problems, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Have lung or kidney problems. Have had an infection, currently have an infection, or have a weakened immune system.
How long after a last dose of Rituxan can you give birth?
Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with RITUXAN and for 12 months after the last dose of RITUXAN.
How long after a Rituxan can you breastfeed?
Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RITUXAN passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last dose of RITUXAN. Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What does it feel like to have a rituxan?
Severe Skin and Mouth Reactions: Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms at any time during your treatment with RITUXAN: Painful sores or ulcers on your skin, lips, or in your mouth. Blisters.
Where to report RITUXAN side effects?
You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
What are the symptoms of Rituxan?
Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms during or after an infusion of Rituxan: Hives (red itchy welts) or rash. Itching. Swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face. Sudden cough. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing. Weakness.
What to tell your healthcare provider before taking Rituximab?
Before receiving Rituxan, tell your healthcare provider if you: have had a severe reaction to Rituxan or a rituximab product. have a history of heart problems, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. have lung or kidney problems. have had an infection, currently have an infection, or have a weakened immune system.
How long after Rituxan infusion can you have a reaction?
Serious infusion-related reactions can happen during your infusion or within 24 hours after your infusion of Rituxan. Your healthcare provider should give you medicines before your infusion of Rituxan to decrease your chance of having a severe infusion-related reaction.
How long does it take for Rituxan to cause TLS?
TLS can happen within 12 to 24 hours after an infusion of Rituxan. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check you for TLS. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to help prevent TLS. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of TLS: nausea.
How long after Rituxan can you use birth control?
You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Rituxan and for 12 months after your last dose of Rituxan. Talk to your healthcare provider about effective birth control.
How long after Rituxan can you breastfeed?
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last dose of Rituxan. are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take or have taken: a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor medicine.
What are the side effects of Rituxan?
Other side effects include: aching joints during or within hours of receiving an infusion. more frequent upper respiratory tract infections. These are not all of the possible side effects with Rituxan. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.
When to stop Rituxan?
Your healthcare provider will stop treatment with RITUXAN if you have severe, serious, or life-threatening side effects.
What to tell your healthcare provider before taking Rituximab?
Before receiving RITUXAN, tell your healthcare provider if you: Have had a severe reaction to RITUXAN or a rituximab product. Have a history of heart problems, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Have lung or kidney problems. Have had an infection, currently have an infection, or have a weakened immune system.
How long after a Rituxan infusion can you have a reaction?
Serious infusion-related reactions can happen during your infusion or within 24 hours after your infusion of RITUXAN. Your healthcare provider should give you medicines before your infusion of RITUXAN to decrease your chance of having a severe infusion-related reaction.
How long does it take for TLS to show up after a rituxan?
TLS can happen within 12 to 24 hours after an infusion of RITUXAN. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check you for TLS. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to help prevent TLS. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of TLS: Nausea.
What are the symptoms of a rash after a rituxan infusion?
Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms during or after an infusion of RITUXAN: Hives (red itchy welts) or rash. Itching. Swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face. Sudden cough. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or wheezing. Weakness.
How long after a last dose of Rituxan can you breastfeed?
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last dose of RITUXAN. Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take or have taken: a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor medicine.
What does it feel like to have a rituxan?
Severe Skin and Mouth Reactions: Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms at any time during your treatment with RITUXAN: Painful sores or ulcers on your skin, lips, or in your mouth. Blisters.
What is differential diagnosis for AFM?
The differential diagnosis for AFM includes conditions that would best be treated by early initiation of corticosteroids (i.e., transverse myelitis, anti-MOG antibody related disease, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis).
What is therapeutic plasma exchange?
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) 1 It is presumed that there are beneficial effects from the humoral immune response to an acute viral infection, in which the body produces neutralizing antibodies to the infectious pathogen (25). Theoretically, the removal of these antibodies induced in response to acute infection could cause potential harm. Additionally, therapeutic plasma exchange requires placement of invasive intravenous access and poses procedure-associated risks. 2 Therapeutic plasma exchange has been used in several published observational studies of AFM patients. From a case-series in Argentina, 4 children were given TPE in combination with IVIG and steroids. Treatment did not lead to clinical improvement (26). A longitudinal study in Canada used TPE in 10 children in conjunction with IVIG and/or corticosteroids and showed clinical improvement upon long-term follow up of at least up to 18 months post-onset (27). In a single AFM case published in 2017, Esposito et al. treated a 4-year-old child with TPE in addition to corticosteroids and IVIG for 3 days. After 4 weeks of oral corticosteroids and a 2-week taper, significant improvement was noted (20). No serious adverse events were noted for TPE in the above publications.
Why should clinicians expedite neurology and infectious disease consultations?
Clinicians should expedite neurology and infectious disease consultations to discuss treatment and management considerations.
Can AFM mimic neurologic disease?
Clinicians should be aware that symptoms of AFM can initially be subtle and often mimic other neurologic diseases with targeted treatments.
Is there evidence for AFM?
There continues to remain a paucity of published evidence on acute medical treatments for AFM and lack of controlled human studies to assess the safety and efficacy of these treatments (2-4). Consultation with experts treating AFM patients remains essential and further AFM research is critical.
Is there a drug for AFM?
Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs or biologics for treating or preventing AFM.
Is plasma exchange safe for AFM?
Therapeutic plasma exchange ( TPE): There is no indication that therapeutic plasma exchange should be either preferred or avoided in the treatment of AFM. There is no clear human evidence for efficacy of plasma exchange in the treatment of AFM, and it has not been given in a systematic manner to AFM patients to allow for measurements of efficacy. Although there are inherent procedure-associated risks, there is no evidence that using plasma exchange for patients with AFM is likely to be harmful.
What is PML on Rituxan?
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML):PML is a rare, serious brain infection caused by a virus that can happen in people who receive RITUXAN.
What is Rituximab used for?
RITUXAN® (rituximab) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL): alone or with other chemotherapy medicines. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): with the chemotherapy medicines fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.
How long after a Rituxan infusion can you have a reaction?
Serious infusion-related reactions can happen during your infusion or within 24 hours after your infusion of RITUXAN. Your healthcare provider should give you medicines before your infusion of RITUXAN to decrease your chance of having a severe infusion-related reactions.
Where to report RITUXAN side effects?
You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
Is Rituxan a single agent?
RITUXAN for the treatment of follicular CD20-positive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as an initial treatment with chemotherapy, and in patients whose initial treatment was successful, as a single-agent follow- up therapy
Does Rituxan help with follicular lymphoma?
In one study of patients with follicular lymphoma who received RITUXAN maintenance therapy (after responding to initial RITUXAN therapy plus chemotherapy), patients cut the risk of their disease advancing by almost half (46%) compared with patients who did not receive additional treatment after initial therapy. These results were from a clinical trial and may not be the same as what you experience.
Can RITUXAN cause liver failure?
Hepatitis B reactivation may cause serious liver problems, including liver failure, and death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for hepatitis B infection during and for several months after you stop receiving RITUXAN.
