Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: RITUXIMAB - INJECTION (rye-TUX-ih-mab)
BRAND NAME(S): Rituxan
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) side effects have occurred with rituximab use. Side effects such as breathing trouble, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or a large change in amount of urine must be reported to your doctor immediately. Your doctor may stop rituximab or use additional treatment. Laboratory tests (e.g., electrolytes, kidney function) may be performed to monitor your progress. If you have heart or lung problems, a large number of cancer cells (above 25,000/mm3) in the blood, or certain cancers (CLL or lymphoma), you should be closely monitored.
USES: Rituximab is a type of medication called a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., non- Hodgkin's lymphoma).
HOW TO USE: This medication is given slowly by vein (IV), once a week for 4 doses; or use as directed by your doctor. Depending on your condition and response to therapy, you may receive more than one course of treatment. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids. Follow all safety precautions. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the use of this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, facial flushing, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fatigue, decrease in amount of urine, weakness, fever, chills, pain at the tumor site, joint or muscle pain, stomach pain, sore throat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, cough, diarrhea, increased thirst or urination, tingling of the hands or feet, flushing, unusual bleeding or bruising, sweating, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, slow or shallow breathing, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. If you have hepatitis B, rituximab may infrequently cause the infection to worsen. Very serious liver disease could occur (during or within several months after rituximab treatment). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop persistent stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, extreme fatigue, yellowing eyes and skin. Treatment with antiviral medication is usually given to control hepatitis B. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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