Rituxan (rituximab)

Supplied: Given by intravenous infusion by a health-care professional in an infusion clinic.

What types of arthritis is rituximab used for?

Rituximab is a biologic used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the typical dose and when do I take it?

Rituximab requires only two intravenous infusions spaced two weeks apart. The dose
given is 1000 mg with each infusion. An intravenous steroid, methylprednisolone
(Solumedrol�), is usually given 30 minutes before the infusion to reduce side effects. Repeat infusions of rituximab can be given every 6 months based on the response and how active the arthritis is.

How long will it take to work?

Most people may begin to feel the effects of rituximab within a few weeks; however, it may take months to feel the full effect. Some people respond a little slower taking up to 6 months until the maximum benefit is felt.

When should I call the doctor?

Concern	Action
Fever	See your doctor.
Think you have an infection	See your doctor.
Prescribed an antibiotic	See your doctor.
Become pregnant	See your doctor.
Scheduled for surgery	Notify your doctor of the surgery date.

Is there anybody who should not take rituximab?

Rituximab is known to increase the risk of infection. People with active infections should not take rituximab. People who have had frequent infections in the past should discuss the use of rituximab with their doctor.

Any woman who is pregnant should not take rituximab, as it has not been studied in pregnant women. Women taking rituximab should use birth control like the oral contraceptive pill. Any woman who is breastfeeding should also avoid rituximab.

You should discuss all vaccinations with your doctor and notify your doctor of any scheduled surgeries.

What are the side effects of rituximab?

Concern	Frequency	Call Doctor
Infusion reaction	Rare	Monitored during the infusion
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea	Rare	If severe
Headaches and dizziness	Rare	If severe
Aching in the joints and muscles	Rare	If severe
Rash or flushing	Rare	If severe
Infection (fever/chills, urinary tract infection, etc)	Rare	Yes - always
Blood Counts: Rituximab can very rarely cause a drop in the blood counts	Very rare	Monitored by your doctor
Kidney, bowel, heart, and lung problems: Very rare with rituximab	Rare	Monitored by your doctor

Do I need any monitoring while taking rituximab?

Blood tests are not routinely required while you are taking rituximab. However, your doctor will likely order periodic blood tests to check your blood counts and follow the activity of your arthritis.

This page was last reviewed/updated on : 06/14/2010

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Rituxan (rituximab)