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Only Available By Prescription
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Rituxan (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody used primarily to treat various types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is also used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rituxan works by targeting the CD20 protein found on the surface of B cells, thereby helping to destroy these cells. It is intended for use under the supervision of a healthcare professional and is usually administered in a clinical setting.
Before you buy Rituxan, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Rituxan infusion cost.
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C6416H9874N1688O1987S44 |
| License | FDA approved |
| Bioavailability | Not applicable (Intravenous injection) |
| Legal status | Prescription Drugs |
| Chemical Name | Rituximab |
| Elimination half-life | 18-22 days |
| Dosage (Strength) | 100 mg/10 mL or 500 mg/50 mL intravenous infusion |
| Pregnancy | Contraindicated; not recommended during pregnancy |
| Brands | Rituxan |
| Protein binding | Not specified |
| PubChem CID | 50994 |
| MedlinePlus | a607038 |
| ChEBI | 88013 |
| ATC code | L01XC02 |
| DrugBank | DB00073 |
| KEGG | D02994 |
| Routes of administration | Intravenous |
For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia:
Rituxan is administered by intravenous infusion. The dosage and schedule may vary depending on the specific condition, the patient's medical history, and response to treatment. Typically, it is given as part of a treatment regimen that includes other chemotherapeutic agents.
For Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Patients receive Rituxan in two separate doses of 1000 mg each, administered as an intravenous infusion separated by a two-week interval, in combination with methotrexate. Treatment cycles can be repeated every 24 weeks, or based on clinical evaluation, but not sooner than every 16 weeks.
It is crucial that patients receive pre-medication with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to infusion to reduce the risk of infusion reactions.
Rituxan uses rituximab as its active ingredient.
Rituxan therapy should be administered under the strict supervision of a qualified healthcare professional in a facility equipped to manage severe infusion reactions. Patients should be monitored closely for infusion-related reactions, which are most common during the first infusion.
Patients with a history of heart conditions should discuss potential risks with their doctor, as Rituxan can cause cardiac complications. It is also contraindicated in patients with known severe, life-threatening allergic reactions to rituximab or any of the components of the formulation.
Before starting treatment, patients must be screened for hepatitis B virus infection as reactivation can occur in individuals who are carriers of the virus. This can lead to severe liver problems or death.
Pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, or nursing mothers should discuss the potential risks and benefits of Rituxan with their healthcare provider, as it can be harmful to the fetus or the nursing infant.
Rituxan can interact with several other medications, potentially altering their effects. It is very important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Particular caution should be used when combining Rituxan with drugs known to affect the immune system or with other chemotherapeutic agents, due to an increased risk of infections or adverse reactions. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with Rituxan and for several months afterward, as the medication may affect the immune system's ability to respond to the vaccine.
Common side effects of Rituxan include:
How long does Rituxan stay in your system?
Rituxan can stay in your system anywhere from 3 to 6 months after your last infusion.
How does Rituxan work?
Rituxan (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein on the surface of B-cells called CD20. It works by depleting these B-cells, which can cause swelling and joint damage in people with autoimmune disorders, or which can be cancerous in people with certain types of lymphoma.
Is Rituxan immunotherapy?
Yes, Rituxan is a type of immunotherapy. It works with your immune system to treat your condition.
How effective is Rituxan for lymphoma?
The effectiveness of Rituxan varies based on the type and stage of lymphoma. For instance, in clinical trials, between 36% and 57% of people who took Rituxan alone responded to treatment.
How long does Rituxan suppress the immune system?
The immune-suppressing effect of Rituxan will persist for a few months after stopping the treatment.
Is Rituxan a chemotherapy drug?
No, Rituxan is not a chemotherapy drug. It is a type of immunotherapy.
Why is Rituxan so expensive?
The cost of Rituxan can vary based on factors such as your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, the pharmacy you use, and the cost of the visit to your healthcare professional to receive doses of Rituxan.
How long does it take for Rituxan to work?
Patients treated with Rituxan may notice an early response within 8 weeks of treatment, but most patients will notice some improvement in their symptoms within 16 weeks of starting treatment.
Can Rituxan cause congestive heart failure?
In rare cases, Rituxan can cause heart-related side effects, including heart failure.
How long do side effects from Rituxan last?
Most side effects of Rituxan may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, some side effects may last for a long time.
